“It’s the highlight of my week” – a blind charity volunteer nominated for the Watford Observer Community Heroes Award speaks about working for the Samaritans.

John Cooper, team leader for the charity in South West Hertfordshire, was recommended for the award by fellow volunteer, Victoria Wallace.

Victoria said: “John is most definitely a community hero so we’d love to nominate him for the award.”

John, who is 71 and lives in Borehamwood, was registered as blind in 1997. He has Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), the second most common cause of blindness. The condition is inherited causing one’s sight to gradually deteriorate throughout life.

But John said he did not want losing his sight to prevent him from living a full and rewarding life.

He said: “I was never able to drive, even at 18 I didn’t have sufficient sight. I did not want to let my disability limit my life and restrict what I can do. I wanted to be in the sighted world as best I can.”

Speaking about his disability and working with the Samaritans, he said: “I enjoy being on the phone. When you’re blind your listening skills are more attuned, you pick up on subtle changes in the voice.”

John became involved with the charity in 2003, taking his first shift on his birthday.

John said: “In 2004, I became a leader. A leader offers support and guidance particularly for those taking their first shift.

“I’m there so the volunteers have somewhere to go if things get a bit stressful and they need advice.

“Then in 2006, I became the deputy director and eventually the director in 2009 through to 2012. Currently, I am the deputy director for caller support.”

John was born in Ruislip and studied for a bachelor in education at Kew University where he met and married his wife, Rita, in 1972.

Prior to working with the Samaritans, John was headteacher at Monksmead School in Borehamwood for 20 years. He retired in 2002.

For the last five years of his career he was registered as blind and still remained the headteacher.

John said former secretary of state for education, David Blunkett, told him he believed John was the only headteacher running an ordinary state school registered blind.

He said his time as headteacher speaking to parents about personal challenges they were facing that impacted on their children was useful experience for the Samaritans.

“I wished I could spend more time with these people giving them the time they deserve. That’s when I got interested in Samaritans.

“I believe in the power of being listened to and many people who call have nobody in their life to listen or perhaps they don’t want to burden them. Many callers are grateful just for the chance to talk. It’s very rewarding and humbling.”

He added: “There are a lot of people struggling out there, and although I have a disability I’ve had a lot of opportunities. If I can help people at the crisis point in their life, then that is a real joy. It’s the highlight of my week.”

John still leads the Samaritans’ teams in South West Hertfordshire now, each week. Help can be sought via phone, email and text. John also supports the drop-in centre in St Johns Road, Watford.

Win a night at the movies

Vue Watford has teamed up with the Watford Observer to reward those local heroes who always manage to go the extra mile. All those featured over the next eight weeks will win a night at the movies for two with refreshments courtesy of Vue Watford. Based in Woodside Leisure Park, Vue Watford has 11 screens projecting in Sony Digital Cinema 4K for ultra high definition pictures. As well as the latest blockbuster movies, Vue screens a range of event content such as national theatre, live music, sporting events, opera, ballet and gaming championships. Refreshments are a regular soft drink and popcorn per person, and the tickets can be used at any time before October 32, 2019 for any screening. Screenings are subject to availability and can’t be booked online in advance. Would you like to nominate a community hero? Email victoria.birch@ london.newsquest.co.uk