Joe Edwards Turns Personal Adversity into a Powerful New Show with ODGE MEDIA and Intec Office Systems
Two Doncaster businesses are partnering to produce a new YouTube show exploring how people respond to adversity, setbacks and unexpected changes in their lives.
The About Going Blind Show will be hosted by Joe Edwards, who was diagnosed with Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, commonly known as LHON, after experiencing a rapid deterioration in his eyesight.
Joe first noticed changes to his vision in late May 2025. Initially believing that he simply needed a new glasses prescription, he visited an optician who identified that the issue was likely to be at the back of his eyes and referred him for further investigation.
Following a series of hospital tests, scans and referrals, Joe was diagnosed with LHON, a rare inherited condition affecting the optic nerve.
Joe had known for around 14 years that he carried the gene responsible for the condition, having undergone genetic testing after his uncle developed it. Based on the medical understanding available at the time, Joe was told that he was thought to be beyond the age when the condition would usually become active.
He continued with his life believing it was unlikely to affect him. However, in 2025, the condition resulted in severe sight loss and forced Joe to adapt to a very different way of living.
Joe Edwards said:
“When I first noticed changes to my eyesight, I thought I just needed a new prescription. What followed was a series of hospital stays, tests and referrals before I was eventually told that LHON was responsible.
I’d known since my early twenties that I carried the gene, but at the time I was told I was thought to be beyond the age when it would usually affect someone. I spent the next 14 or 15 years living my life without expecting it to happen.
The show isn’t just about sight loss. It’s about speaking to people who have experienced adversity, setbacks, difficult periods or unexpected changes in their lives.
I want to understand how they dealt with those experiences, how they adapted and whether they found new opportunities, a different sense of purpose or simply a new way forward.
I’m also incredibly grateful to Intec Office Systems for supporting the idea and welcoming us into their showroom. By giving the show a home, they’re helping us create a relaxed and welcoming environment where people can speak openly about their experiences.”
Through a series of open and honest conversations, Joe will meet guests from a range of backgrounds who have experienced adversity, setbacks or periods of unexpected change.
The show will explore what they experienced, how it affected them and the different ways they responded and moved forward.
The first series is due to include Doncaster boxer Maxi Hughes, former Doncaster Rovers footballers James Coppinger and Sam Hird, and motivational speaker and adventurer Jamie McAnsh.
Maxi Hughes is a former British and IBO lightweight champion who has built a reputation for determination and perseverance. After experiencing setbacks during his career, the Doncaster boxer fought his way back to title-winning level and has competed against leading fighters around the world.
James Coppinger spent 17 seasons with Doncaster Rovers and retired in 2021 after making a club-record 695 appearances. He has since moved into roles behind the scenes at the club and currently works as a first-team coach, giving him a valuable perspective on longevity, pressure and adapting to life beyond playing professional football.
Sam Hird enjoyed a 16-year professional football career, making around 480 appearances and achieving three promotions. After moving into coaching, he joined the Professional Footballers’ Association as a Player Services Executive, supporting players through the challenges and transitions they encounter during and after their careers.
Jamie McAnsh woke up paralysed from the waist down in 2014 and was subsequently diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. He has since reached Everest Base Camp on crutches and summited Mount Kilimanjaro using custom-made leg supports, and now works as a speaker, adventurer and inclusion advocate.
Doncaster-based video production company ODGE MEDIA will provide the creative and technical production for the series.
The show will be filmed at the Intec Office Systems showroom at West Moor Park in Armthorpe, which will provide a dedicated setting for Joe and his guests throughout the series.
The About Going Blind Show will be available to watch on YouTube.
Ollie Needham, Founder of ODGE MEDIA, said:
“I really admire the tenacity and courage Joe has shown in dealing with his condition and adapting to the changes it has brought to his life.
Joe is doing everything he can to create something positive and inspiring from his situation. By sharing his own experience and speaking openly with others, he has an opportunity to help people who may be dealing with difficult situations or unexpected changes in their own lives.
We’re looking forward to experiencing the conversations Joe has with other people, hearing their stories and discovering how they have responded to the challenges they’ve faced.
Intec Office Systems’ support has been a key part of bringing the show together. Their showroom gives us a fantastic setting for the series, and we’re pleased to be working with a local business that shares our enthusiasm for Joe’s idea.”
Stuart Thompson, Managing Director of Intec Office Systems, said:
“When Ollie approached us about using our showroom as the home of The About Going Blind Show, we were very pleased to support it.
There is a strong sense of community among businesses in Doncaster, and we believe it’s important to support worthwhile local projects wherever we can. Joe’s story and the purpose behind the show really resonated with us, so providing a setting for those conversations felt like a natural way for Intec to help.
It has also been fascinating to see the work that goes into producing a series like this and the care Ollie and ODGE MEDIA have taken to create the right environment for Joe and his guests. We’re proud to play a part in bringing the show to life, and we look forward to seeing the conversations it creates.”
Further details about the release of the opening episodes on YouTube will be announced shortly.
About ODGE MEDIA
ODGE MEDIA is a Doncaster-based video production company working with businesses and organisations across the UK and internationally.
Its services include brand films, case studies, social content, multi-camera production, YouTube channel production and live streaming.
About Intec Office Systems
Intec Office Systems designs and creates workspaces for businesses across Doncaster and the wider UK.
The company provides office furniture, workplace design, space planning and complete office fit-outs from its showroom in Armthorpe.
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ODGE MEDIA
Website: www.odgemedia.com
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Telephone: 01302 315132
ODGE MEDIA
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Ollie Needham Director
- August 14, 2026
- 01302 315132
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