Former deaf woman who became internet star now preparing to lose her sight

Jo Milne has a rare condition known as Usher Syndrome. Credit: Tremayne Crossley/Loose Women

A women who hit headlines around the world when a video surfaced of her hearing for the first time is now preparing to lose her sight.

Jo Milne, who has a rare condition known as Usher Syndrome, says her vision has deteriorated since she was fitted with the cochlear implants last year, and plans now to tick off a "bucket list", including things she wants to see before she goes blind.

The 40-year-old from Gateshead told Heart FM that she plans to see the seven wonders of the world, go to Glastonbury and learn how to play the piano while she still can.

She also hopes to raise £45,000 for deaf children in the UK and try to make sign language a compulsory subject in schools.

Milne shot to fame after a video was posted online showing her emotion as her implants were turned on for the first time.

She now says that being able to hear has "improved the quality of my life", and told Heart that she is "happy and optimistic about the future".

Jo's bucket list is as follows:

  • See the seven wonders of the world

  • Meet Paul McCartney

  • Learn to play the piano

  • Visit Mardi Gras in Brazil and see a rainforest

  • Raise £45,000 for the 45,000 deaf children in the UK

  • Make Usher Syndrome known in homes across the country

  • Have sign language taught on the schools curriculum

Read: Newborn baby's laugh is music to deaf woman's ears

The first songs Jo Milne ever heard