I went to Moorfield’s Eye Hospital in London for tests. They said they could operate, but it would be risky. They could offer no guarantees that it would even improve my sight and it could even make things worse. I decided to leave it for a while and think about what to do, but things got worse and I was becoming more and more blind in that eye.

My sister Kay, who is on the healing team at Cockfosters Prayer Group in North London, offered to pray for me, which she did. I used to go quite a lot to her and Dom Benedict Heron. I was also worried about what was going to happen in the future, especially when I heard that our blind aunt had fallen down the stairs and died. I have always been a church goer, but Kay when she became involved in Charismatic Renewal got very religious and was always praying. I thought she was a bit over the top but I was grateful for her prayers. She got me to go to the New Dawn conference a couple of years ago and I remember on the way home we were praying all the way in the car saying the rosary and other prayers.

I stopped by her house for lunch, and as we sat in the kitchen, she prayed for me again. I don’t know why this time things should be different but they were and when she finished praying I realised I could see clearly again. I couldn’t quite believe it. As I stood up to go and reached over to pick up my keys, which were in my handbag, this blinding light suddenly seemed to come out from the crucifix that I had in my bag. It was so strong that it burned my eyes. I went pale and my sister, who didn’t realise what had happened, thought I was going to faint and asked if I was all right.

“You wouldn’t believe what has just happened to me,” I said and I told her about the blinding light. “Now do you believe?” she said. And I do. My faith in God has really grown and I pray much more myself now. My husband, who is a very God fearing man, hasn’t actually accepted it, but I know the difference. The black spots have gone. I can read normally now and that shadow that was hanging over me and fear of the future has gone. I just thank God for it.