A FIVE-year-old girl from Saltaire has been chosen to feature in a special film marking the 150th anniversary of the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

Eliza Deakin has been chosen to appear in the film alongside other visually impaired children, encouraging people to see the person, the sight loss.

Eliza has bilateral retinoblastoma, a rare form of cancer affecting both of her eyes, and was diagnosed at nine weeks old, but is now in a stable condition after extensive treatment.

She lives in Saltaire with her parents, two sisters Megan and Freya, and brother Rowan.

She dreams of being a nurse and a baker when she grows up, and her favourite food is blueberry cheesecake, which she said she will make for all the patients she will look after.

In the video, children share their ambitions for the future and make it clear they don’t think their visual impairment is a barrier to their future success.

Eleanor Southwood, chair of RNIB, said: “As we mark our 150th anniversary, we’ve been reflecting on how the lives of blind and partially sighted people have been transformed over the last century and a half.

"But it’s also a chance to look to the future and the world we want to see, a world free of barriers for people with sight loss like me, where we are valued for who we are, not defined by the disabilities we happen to have.

“Wouldn’t it be amazing to live in a world where blind and partially sighted people don’t have to think twice about being included.

"Everything from accessing documents and information to travelling the world where we can be exactly who we choose to be.

“That’s why our commitment is to breaking down the barriers that still exist, dispelling misconceptions and making sure that visually impaired children live in a society that values their experience and enables them to fulfil their potential.

“And with the future in the hands of children like Eliza, I know we can do it!”

Since it was founded in 1868, RNIB has supported millions of visually impaired people, and aims to support a lot more in the future. It offers information advice and services to blind and partially sighted people on issues including legal rights, access to books, education and employment, and also provides practical and emotional support.