AN INVERCLYDE charity champion is raising money to help improve the life of a blind teenager.

Big-hearted Amy Shearer has embarked on a fundraising mission to help Connor Simpson - a 15-year-old boy who has been blind since birth.

Amy has organised a charity night to raise funds to buy Connor life-changing artificial intelligence glasses which could help him read again.

She told the Tele: "Connor is a gem of a boy.

"He is completely blind and has been since birth but doesn't stop him.

"A new piece of technology has launched called the OrCam which is revolutionary and would completely transform Connor's life.

"The only downside is the equipment costs £3,000 to buy.

"I want to raise enough money to get Connor this life changing technology."

The Orcam glasses have a tiny smart camera which can recognise text and people's faces.

The glasses then speak to the person wearing them, through a pair of headphones, and explain exactly what they are looking at.

Amy added: "It's an unbelievable device.

"It means that when he's in a restaurant, the glasses can read a menu to him.

"It will give him more independence and will change his life."

Amy, 19, from Wemyss Bay, has known Connor and his family for years through Friends 4 Ever - a Greenock support club for young people with additional support needs where she volunteers.

Connor says he is so grateful to Amy for helping to change his life.

He said: "It makes me really happy.

"The glasses will make quite a difference and help me become more independent.

"At the moment I like to go to judo, scouts and swimming.

"I also enjoy going to Friends 4 Ever as I get to see all my pals and we do different activities.

"Amy has been a huge help."

Connor's mum Janis, 59, says she can't thank Amy enough for what she is doing for her son.

She said: "I think what Amy is doing is absolutely amazing.

"The glasses will make Connor more independent and he will be able to read books.

"And if he goes into the supermarket, it can read out the signs of the aisles and products, which will really help as he enjoys going shopping.

"It will have a huge impact - the device can remember 100 faces, so when he walks into a room it will tell him who is there."

Connor and his family, including his older brother, two sisters and dad Kenny, are now looking forward to Amy's fundraising night on Saturday March 24 at the Thistle Suite (the former Greenock Dockers Club) from 7pm.

The evening will include entertainment from the Masquerade Band and a DJ, as well as a hot buffet, raffle and games.

Amy is keen to thank everyone who has supported her so far, especially staff at the Thistle Suite who have kindly given her the hall for free, plus all the generous local businesses who have donated raffle prizes.

Tickets for Amy's charity night cost £10 and they can be booked by emailing amy.shearer@live.co.uk or phoning 07896 779513.