AN AMATEUR photographer who has been given her sight back following two cornea transplants has urged people to open up about organ donation.

Jennifer Jones, 29, has regained her vision following two cornea transplants over the last two years.

Jennifer, from Morfa Nefyn, was diagnosed with keratoconus – a serious eye condition which causes a cone-shaped bulge to develop in the cornea – five years ago.

The condition meant that Jennifer was no longer able to pursue her photography hobby, see her own family with any clarity or even leave the house without asisstance.

However, following two donations from the “heroes she never knew”, the 29-year-old has been given back both her eyesight and her passion.

“It was an extremely difficult time for me and my family,” she said, remembering the months following her diagnosis. “I struggled with my poor eyesight and felt so restricted that I hardly left the house. Before my diagnosis, I was an amateur photographer and used to spend all my free time outside taking photos. It was horrible not being able to pursue my passion anymore; it felt like all the things I enjoyed doing were taken away from me.

“I was put on the transplant waiting list in November 2015 and shortly after had my first sight-saving transplant. I couldn’t believe the difference it made to my eyesight. It was the smaller details that I could see again, such as seeing my family clearly and remembering how vibrant colours are.

“Just a few weeks ago, I had another transplant for my other eye. I’m still recovering from this, but I’m overwhelmed by the difference it has made and feel ready to continue with my life properly again.

“I would definitely encourage others to sign up to the organ donor register and inform their loved ones of their decision. Such a small gesture can save and transform the lives of up to nine people.”

This week is National Organ Donation Week. And the Welsh Government is emphasising the importance of talking to family and friends about organ donation in an effort to increase the number of people who register their decision either on the organ donor register or just by making sure family are aware of their wishes.

On 1 December 2015, Wales was the first country in the UK to move to a soft opt-out, system of consent to organ donation.See this week's north editions for the full story, in shops and online now