Remembering Sharon: A Dedicated Advocate for the Sight Loss Community
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sharon Sutton, a former Beacon Centre for the Blind employee who dedicated her career to supporting people with sight loss. Sharon joined Beacon in 2019 from RNIB, bringing a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to advocating for those with sight loss.
Initially, Sharon worked in Staffordshire, building on her previous successes with RNIB and Action for Blind People. Her exceptional advocacy and personal experiences significantly enhanced understanding, awareness, and our services at Beacon.
In 2020, Sharon took on the role of Sight Loss Advisor, where she collaborated with her colleagues in the engagement team to develop new opportunities and support systems for those impacted by sight loss.
Sharon’s compassionate nature and sense of humour made her a beloved member of our team, always managing to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Sharon’s constant companion, her guide dog Genie, was always by her side, sporting a sparkly pink collar. Together, they were a determined duo, making a lasting impact on everyone they met.
Lisa Cowley, Chief Executive of the Beacon Centre, expressed her condolences: “Sharon was a force to be reckoned with, always advocating for those with sight loss. Her compassionate and caring nature shone through in everything she did. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.”
Sharon’s health began to deteriorate, and she had to resign from her post in 2023, always hopeful that she would return once she recovered. Sadly, she did not have that opportunity, but her legacy and the positive changes she brought to the sight loss community will not be forgotten.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Sharon’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
The picture with this post shows Sharon, with short blond bobbed hair, standing in a garden. She is wearing a blue patterned dress with leggings and a denim jacket and is standing with her guide dog Genie.