THE life of a former accountant who lost her sight has been transformed by music.

Rita Hills from Cam was filling in a VAT return at her desk seven years ago when she suffered a stroke.

“I just thought it was just a funny turn and it would go away in a minute,” she said.

But it didn’t go away.

Rita’s left side and her speech were affected, and she was left with 30 per cent vision.

Unable to work and drive, she was essentially robbed her of her independence.

She found it hard to imagine a way forward but, in search for an incentive to keep going, she decided to take up music.

After tinkering with the piano and the guitar, neither of which seemed quite right, her son bought her a ukulele.

She quickly fell in love with the small and unassuming instrument.

Using Youtube tutorials, she set about teaching herself to play.

“Learning an instrument is really good for the brain,” said Rita.

“My brain wouldn’t be half as good as it is without playing music.”

After two years of studying, Rita felt ready to take her ukulele out of the house.

“I put up an advert at the U3A in Dursley, asking if anyone was interested in learning the ukulele with me,” said Rita.

There was a good response to the initial advert, and demand for Rita’s ukulele groups has grown and grown.

They have now become so popular that she runs several groups, both in Dursley Community Centre and GL11 Community Hub in Cam, with 60 members overall.

“I get amazing support from the group members, I couldn’t do it without them,” said Rita.

Known collectively as the Cam Jammers, the players have raised thousands of pounds for charity through subscriptions and their live performances.

And, just as Rita did, many of the fledgling musicians have found solace in music, for their own reasons.

“For some members it’s something a bit different to do, and the rehearsals are something to look forward to,” she said. “For others, it’s given them confidence.”

Cam Jammers will give a singalong concert at Winterbottom Memorial in Cam, on May 11 at 2.30pm in aid of Admiral Nurses.