A Nottingham radio presenter who thought his broadcasting days could be over after losing his sight is back behind the microphone thanks to support from charity Blind Veterans UK.
Michael Fairclough, who is 67 years-old and also known as Lenny, feared he would no longer be able to produce his popular A-Z of Reggae show on Kemet FM after glaucoma robbed him of the last of his remaining vision. But specialist support from Blind Veterans UK has enabled him to continue creating and recording the programme independently, allowing him to keep sharing his passion for reggae music with listeners across Nottingham and beyond.
After gradually losing his sight to glaucoma, Michael reached the point where the computer software he relied on to produce his programmes was no longer accessible.
“It got harder and harder,” said Michael. “I’d get so far and then get stuck. Somebody would have to come round and help me find files on the computer so I could finish the show.”
The Royal Engineers veteran had spent seven years building a library of more than 300 programmes and was determined to find a way to continue broadcasting independently.
Blind Veterans UK Technology Practitioner Scott worked with Michael to find a practical solution that would allow him to continue producing programmes independently.
Scott introduced Michael to equipment that could be operated through touch and sound, meaning that Michael could compile complete radio programmes without needing assistance. Within days of receiving the equipment and training, Michael had already recorded three new two-hour shows.
Michael said:
“Before, I’d get so far and then need help. Now I can do everything myself. I put a USB in, listen to what’s on it, choose the tracks I want, record my links and put the whole programme together by myself. It has given me my confidence back and allowed me to carry on doing something I love.”
Scott, from Blind Veterans UK, said:
“Michael’s goal was always to continue producing his radio show independently.
“As his sight deteriorated, we looked at different options and found a solution that worked for him using tactile controls rather than relying on computer screens. Once he became familiar with the equipment, he took to it incredibly quickly and has done really well.”
Michael joined the Royal Engineers in January 1976 and served for ten years. During his military career he was posted to various places around the World including Germany and Canada, and was a keen footballer who represented both his regiment and corps teams.
“I loved every minute of it,” he said. “The camaraderie, the friendships and the experiences made it a great ten years.”
After leaving the Army, Michael worked as a heavy goods vehicle driver before gaining a teaching degree and spending 13 years teaching at a local college.
He was diagnosed with glaucoma aged 40 and underwent numerous operations as doctors tried to slow the condition’s progression.
The moment that affected him most was losing his driving licence.
“That was the hardest thing,” said Michael. “I suddenly felt like I’d lost my independence. You don’t realise how much you rely on being able to get in the car and go where you want until it’s taken away from you.”
Michael was introduced to Blind Veterans UK around three years ago by former Army friends. Although the charity offered support from the outset, much of his focus at the time was on caring for his grandson, who had a rare mitochondrial disease and sadly died in April 2025 aged just two years and seven months.
Michael is now supporting fundraising efforts for mitochondrial disease research through a JustGiving appeal: justgiving.com/campaign/reiffsmitomission
Today, he is once again doing what he loves, sharing music with listeners across Nottingham and beyond.
The A-Z of Reggae airs on Kemet FM every Thursday at 12am.
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/apply
