A 13-year-old girl named Audrey Tyrrell, who was diagnosed with Usher syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting both hearing and vision, is creating a ‘visual wish list’ as she prepares to lose her eyesight. Audrey, from Harwich, Essex, has already accomplished some items on her wish list, such as attending a Taylor Swift concert, visiting the Eiffel Tower, and going to Legoland. Her list also includes seeing the Statue of Liberty and the Northern Lights, which she estimates will take ten to twenty years to complete.
Audrey, who has been dealing with hearing loss since birth, recently experienced seeing Stonehenge, attending a Coldplay concert, and trying a Cornish pasty in Cornwall. Her mother, Tracey, mentioned that they are uncertain about when Audrey will lose her sight, but they are determined to create lasting memories together. Audrey’s positive outlook on life is evident as she embraces new experiences, like driving a car at a slow pace during a recent event.
Born with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, Audrey received her first pair of hearing aids at a young age, which helped her hear speech clearly. At age six, she excelled in ballroom dancing, inspired by the show “Strictly Come Dancing.” After a visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital at the age of ten, Audrey’s family learned that she carries the Usher gene, indicating inevitable vision loss in the future.
Despite the challenges ahead, Audrey remains optimistic and focused on fulfilling her visual wish list. Her father’s homemade Cephalonia meat pie has inspired her desire to visit Greece, among other destinations. Audrey’s determination and zest for life continue to inspire those around her, providing a ray of hope during uncertain times.