A FUNDRAISING event has helped pay for a talking computer for a blind woman who has had two failed kidney transplants.

Helen Mayers, 26, from Fleet Street in Ellesmere Port, has battled with kidney problems since she was eight.

As a result of her dialysis treatment she lost her sight last year.

Helen’s family, with the support of their friends, decided to organise a fundraiser for her at St Saviour’s Social Club in Great Sutton.

The night raised £1,500 and after buying the special computer for £900 the family donated the rest of the money to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

Helen’s mum Eileen, who works as a carer, said: “Helen has really been through the mill but she still comes back fighting. I’m really proud of her.

“She loves writing and surfing on the internet so she was devastated when she lost her sight. This computer has given her a new lease of life.

“I’d like to thank Joan and Fran Waring who organised the fundraising event and everyone who attended and donated money.”

When Helen was just 11 – shortly after being whisked off to Disneyland Paris courtesy of the Pioneer’s Miles of Smiles charity – she underwent a four-hour kidney transplant operation at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

But her new kidney failed after two years and, although she underwent a second transplant operation when she was 18, that also failed in 2004.

Doctors feared the worst after Helen developed major complications with her blood levels but she managed to pull through.

Mrs Mayers added: “She was really poorly back then but what is so wonderful about Helen is that she always battles back.”