"It was a rebirth", says barber after eye transplant transformed his career
Stylist's book supports eye hospital that restored his vision
A barber from Wellingborough is giving back to the eye hospital he says transformed his life after developing severe sight loss.
Hair stylist and salon owner JJ Savani, 37, underwent corneal transplants at Moorfields Eye Hospital after his vision rapidly deteriorated.
Savani first started cutting hair as a teenager in his mother's salon in Wellingborough before building a career in the NHS. But in 2017, his eyesight suddenly began to fail after he developed severe keratoconus, a condition that affects the cornea.
After treatment failed to stop his sight deteriorating, he underwent corneal transplant surgery in both eyes. The lengthy recovery forced him to leave his job and he said the loss of his sight had a profound impact on his mental health.
"I'd pretty much lost everything I'd worked for," he said. "My career, my relationships and my independence."
While trying to rebuild his life, he received an unexpected opportunity when an anonymous benefactor paid for him to attend a London School of Barbering course.
"Take the help that's offered to you"
Initially reluctant to accept the help, he eventually decided to go, a decision he credits with helping him restart his career.
"Whoever this was didn't just pay for the course. They'd actually taken out a finance agreement as well, so they'd really looked out for me."
Savani returned to barbering and went on to work with celebrity clients, judge industry competitions and eventually take over the same Wellingborough barbershop where he first learned his trade.
''A donor gave me a new life''
He has written a book, Positioned, with all proceeds going to Moorfields Eye Charity to support future research and treatment.
"Without the support I received and the transplants, I wouldn't be where I am today," he said.
Savani is encouraging more people to consider organ and tissue donation. He said: "I wouldn't be where I am today without those two transplants.''
Reflecting on his journey, he added: "Yes, I went through all of this, but I'm in a much happier place. I feel more content and more successful than ever.
"No matter how dark it is, I know it sounds a cliché, there's a light at the end of the tunnel."