Golfer who found strength in sport after sudden loss of vision to share inspiring story at Calverton charity golf day for My Sight Notts

A golfer has overcome sudden sight loss to win national titles — and is now aiming to inspire others.

Paul Innocent first picked up a golf club at 15, and at that time he could never have imagined just how vital the sport would become in his life.

He continued playing the sport into adulthood, and also worked as an electrician, living life to the full — until in early 2025, just months after his wedding, Paul was diagnosed with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.

It is a rare genetic condition which left him with only 5% vision in his right eye and 35% vision in his left eye. He was forced to give up his electrical business, his driving licence, and the life he once knew.

Despite this, Paul was able to find strength on the golf course, and with the support of My Sight Notts, and England and Wales Blind Golf, Paul is now back in the swing of things, competing as a B2 blind golfer.

“My world changed overnight,” Paul said.

“But golf gave me a way forward. I want people to know that life doesn’t end with sight loss — it just changes.”

With his guide, Steve Wainwright, by his side, Paul recently won the B2 Gross title at the 2025 ISPS Handa British Blind Open in Scotland, and the Jack Kerfoot Cup at Royal Norwich Golf Club — all in his debut season.

Now Paul is using his story to inspire others, and will be a special guest at My Sight Notts’ Charity Golf Day on Friday, September 12, at Springwater Golf Club in Calverton.

He added: “It’ll be a brilliant day. I’d love people to come, play a round, and see what visually impaired golfers can do.”

The Charity Golf Day is open to all abilities and aims to raise vital funds for My Sight Notts, a charity supporting people living with sight loss across Nottinghamshire.

My Sight Notts chief executive, Michael Conroy, said: “Paul’s story is one of incredible strength and we're honoured to have him at the heart of our event. He shows what’s possible when passion and community come together.”