Ambassadors

Mike Kapur is a Patron of Vista and has long and fond connections with us, having first joined the charity in 1983 to do a year long internship which involved computerising the then manual accounting records. Graduating and then qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, he still maintained his links with Vista. He is currently Founder and Director of Signum Corporate Communications, Chairman of the National Space Centre, and Chairman of Leicester City Football Club Community Trust.

Mike has always been a strong advocate of public service and is a Trustee of Warning Zone and National Forest Company. He served as a Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire from 2015 before being appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire in 2018, and in 2017 he was awarded an OBE for Services to Science, Technology, Business and Enterprise.

Craig, also known as Blind Guitar Guy, has two eye conditions – diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment. Craig first began to notice issues with his vision in 2021. When Craig lost his sight, his life was turned upside down. He first came into contact with Vista when Anne Houit taught him how to use his cane, and has been an active part of the community around the organisation ever since. He has jumped into numerous fundraising and awareness-raising activities as an ambassador for Vista, and is often found playing his guitar whilst doing so – a skill he learnt after losing his sight. He is a fantastic and dedicated ambassador for Vista, so much so that he even has the charity’s logo as a tattoo on his arm!

Brian is registered blind and a keen photographer. Over the last few years Brian’s work has attracted media attention, and he has set up an online group for visually impaired photographers, which has a steadily growing membership. Prior to his retirement in 2007, from his position as Director of Computing Services at Loughborough University, Brian became a Trustee and subsequently Chairman of Vista. He stepped down from the Chairman role in 2013, however Brian remains an enthusiastic supporter of Vista’s work. For his role in training other visually impaired people in the use of technology, Brian was recognised by Talk Talk as a Digital Hero in 2015, one of only five nationally. 

Growing up, Sue was encouraged and supported by her blind grandmother. From an early age, she recognised the practicalities of living with limited sight and that being blind need not be a barrier to an active happy life. Sue had a career in social care for over 30 years, retiring as Assistant Director at Leicestershire County Council. Sue was diagnosed with glaucoma and received support from Vista, becoming a trustee in 2012 and was Chair of trustees from 2013 to 2016

Stephen was appointed chairman of the Harborough District Council in 2020 choosing Vista as his charity for the term in office. Raising awareness of Vista’s work supporting visually impaired people at his many engagements across Leicester and Leicestershire.  Arranging fundraising events, even throughout covid using technology like quiz nights and a virtual bike ride around Harborough District were all completed from home.    

Stephen runs a cleaning company across the midlands employing a large number of staff. Founded in 2005, his work has included cleaning for some of the UK’s largest names in retail, construction, education, healthcare and premiership sports clubs. The company joined the Vista business club last year and Stephen as managing director and chairman brings expertise of business and government policy.    

Having finished his term in office May 2022 Stephen continues to support Vista and was honoured to become an ambassador.