AN ACTRESS has been recognised for her "determination" to break down barriers for blind and partially sighted people.

Elizabeth Wainwright, aged 51 from Bury, has had to overcome barriers of her own after an accident when she was 18 left her without her sight.

Since then, she has transformed the lives of blind and partially sighted people across the North West by setting up a number of theatre workshops for the visually impaired as well as mentoring young people.

Her work has received high praise from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), who have presented her with an Award for Excellence in Media and the Arts.

Mum-of-two Elizabeth said: “When I was 18 I wanted to be an actor, but when I lost my sight in an accident, I thought it had put a stop to my dreams.

“I see this as an award that’s not just for me – but for everyone who I’ve worked with to providing support and inspiration for blind and partially sighted people who want to enter this competitive but hugely rewarding industry.

“Winning this award highlights a cohort of visually impaired actors who are now emerging because they have had the support and encouragement they needed to thrive. We need more awareness for blind and partially sighted actors everywhere – and this award will help bring attention to that."

Elizabeth works as a participation coordinator for Extant, the UK’s largest visually impaired theatre company.

Within that capacity, she has developed theatre workshop programmes across the North West and broadened the company's connections with visually impaired audiences and several regional theatres.

She has also worked alongside young people with vision impairment, to help them develop acting skills and access opportunities.

Elizabeth was one of seven RNIB award winners, who were celebrated during a ceremony at Salford's Lowry Hotel. The inaugural awards formed part of RNIB’s celebration of 150 years in the region.

A panel of representatives and volunteers from sight loss organisations selected the prizewinners from 28 shortlisted nominees.

Andrea Glover, Network Manager for RNIB in the North West, said: “What Elizabeth has delivered has had a huge impact on the lives of blind and partially sighted people across North West and beyond.

“Through her participation and engagement work with Extant, and as a freelance workshop facilitator, Elizabeth has motivated and encouraged many visually impaired people to pursue careers in performing arts – an industry that they might have felt unable to access otherwise.

"With this award, we are thrilled to be able to give Elizabeth’s hard work and dedication the recognition it deserves.”