While every day is still a challenge, these challenges are what fuel Chris’ mission – to exceed the expectations of what others perceive disabled people are able to accomplish, and to prove to himself and the world that having a disability isn’t the end, it’s just a new beginning.
Chris turned his first commission in 2014, going on to become a full time self-employed woodturner in 2018.
In July 2019, he became the first blind woodturner to be accepted on to the Register of Professional Turners (RPT). He is also a member of the AWGB.
In January 2020, Chris was proud to be appointed as the first Patron for the charity, UK Men’s Sheds Association.
Today, Chris travels around the country giving public woodturning demonstrations, speaking about his experiences and sharing his story on his YouTube channel in an effort to inspire, motivate and activate people no matter what their circumstances, to achieve their full potential.
Chris’ message is simple – whenever you feel like you want to give up, just keep on turning.
Born in 1969 in Eccles, Manchester, Chris Fisher went completely blind in 2008, at the age of 39, over a period of four weeks, as a result of Toxoplasmosis.
Following a period of rehabilitation and coming to terms with the impact of losing his sight, Chris took up woodturning and is a self-taught woodturner.
He set up a YouTube channel to share his experiences in woodturning and to challenge the perceptions of what people with disabilities can achieve.
His channel has over 7500 subscribers.
Chris Fisher uses both traditional and modern carbide tools and owns three lathes.
Now the UK’s only completely blind professional, accredited woodturner, Chris Fisher is also the first blind woodturner to be accepted on to the Register of Professional Turners.
Chris lives in Lancashire.
