Blind 11-Year-Old Representing UK in International Low-Vision Song Contest

Betsy Griffin, an 11-year-old girl from Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, has been selected to represent the UK in the International Low-Vision Song Contest, held in Berlin. Diagnosed with a brain tumour at age two and blind, Betsy channels her experiences into music. Her original song, ‘I Won’t Let This Simple Curse Get Me Down’, was written as an emotional outlet for dealing with her health condition. Despite not being able to read music traditionally, she composes by ear and is currently learning music braille.

Encouraged to enter the contest by the charity Look, Betsy is competing alongside participants from 25 countries. This marks her first trip abroad, and she’s accompanied by her father, Stuart. He expressed immense pride in her, highlighting how the song raises awareness not just for blindness but also for brain tumour research, which remains underfunded.

Betsy has previously been recognized with the BBC Three Counties Radio Make a Difference bravery award for her uplifting YouTube channel, ‘Betsy’s Positive Videos’. Voting for the contest is scheduled for the evening of the same day. Her story highlights not only artistic talent but also personal resilience and advocacy for important health and inclusion issues.