A woman from Pwllheli has defied all the odds by starting her own business despite losing her sight and becoming registered blind.

Nia Hicks-Brew, 37, has suffered with Retinitis Pigmentosa since the age of 27.

Retinitis Pigmentosa is a rare, genetic disease in which the light-sensitive retina of the eye slowly and progressively degenerates, eventually causing blindness.

The condition was only revealed during a routine eye test. She was sent straight to Ysbyty Gwynedd and then on to Liverpool where she received a genetic test to discover the condition she had.

Despite the condition being genetic, Nia is unsure where the condition came from as her family do not suffer with Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Her condition means she has lost her peripheral vision and has developed tunnel vision. She has described it as if she is viewing life through binoculars. Nia also said she suffers from constant flashing lights and night blindness. Unfortunately there is no cure for Nia’s disease and, in approximately five years, Nia will lose all her vision.

She and her husband, Gareth Brew, have a 10-year-old son, Iwan, who was born in the same year as her diagnosis. On raising a child with her condition Nia said that there haven’t been as many difficulties as anticipated.

“I’m lucky I have had the support of my family and friends.

“I’ve been quite positive about it all. It does affect my independence, but my family have been great. I don’t want to let my disability stop me.”

Nia hopes to get a guide dog in order to help her gain more independence and support, but there are 71 people on the waiting list in Wales and it could take up to three years for her to acquire one.

Despite her set-backs, in September Nia opened her own business, a nursery called Meithrinfa Buan.

Nia also hopes to raise awareness about her disease.

“It’s a hidden disability. People tell me that I don’t look blind, that I look fine. It can be quite hurtful,” she said.