Blind pensioner celebrates 80th birthday behind the wheel
A blind pensioner had an extra special 80th birthday this week - as she fulfilled her lifelong ambition to drive a car. Doris Nardone, from Pelsall, took to the wheel for the first time on Thursday after dreaming of driving since she was a child. The mother of four joined Ian Tipton from “Drive with Ian” to take a spin around National Express’ bus driver training course in Wolverhampton. The bus operator cleared its site of buses for the event and Ian operated dual controls on the car. Doris, whose husband died in 1972, began to lose her sight soon after and raised her four children alone. She is described by her family as “fiercely independent” and regularly uses National Express buses to travel around the region unaided. Doris’ desire to drive a car became a reality when her daughter, Sue, contacted Ian Tipton from 'Drive with Ian' - a Wednesfield driving school. Ian had struggled to find a venue big enough for Doris to drive on until he got in touch with National Express. Doris still has limited vision in on eye and her family is delighted she’s was given the opportunity to drive before losing her vision completely. Sue Braithwaite. Doris’ daughter, said: “We’re so happy we can give Mum a birthday she’ll never forget. She has always talked about wanting to drive but it seemed like an impossible dream with her vision problems. All the family are so grateful to Ian Tipton and National Express for giving Mum the chance to finally drive a car.” Doris’s family attended the training site at Park Lane, Wolverhampton to watch Doris take her first trip in a car. The site usually holds up to 200 double and single deck buses. Lawrence Wilson, Area Manager for National Express West Midlands, said:“Doris is such an inspiration we wanted to help her fulfil her dream. She regularly uses our bus services to travel across the region and we’re happy to be able to donate the use of our training centre for her first time behind the wheel.”
Published 16th April 2010