Let's all agree that 2016 was a bit shit.  From political turmoil to the deaths of icons, last year appears to have been written by Lord Voldemort's slightly-less-friendly brother (possibly with a hangover,  or after a particularly nasty kick in the balls).  Personally, this general crappiness was compounded by developing a problem with my eye.

For most people, and until recently myself included, eyesight is something you take for granted. In June last year I noticed a grey bubble start to grow in the centre of my vision, making it difficult to read and pick up detail.

After ignoring it for a while I underwent a series of tests at Moorfields and was diagnosed with macular degeneration in my left eye.  It's similar to the kind of sight-loss experienced by the elderly, although in my case it's caused by a stretching of the eye rather than old age (I was however about to turn 30, so who knows...). The staff at Moorfields explained my condition, prognosis and treatment options clearly, compassionately and patiently. 

Although the sight-loss incurred in my central vision is permanent, I've been having treatment designed to minimise further degeneration. Now, I was a prolific fainter in GCSE biology,  so the thought of injections into my eyeball was pretty much the stuff of nightmares; I can confirm they are  as grim as expected (think "aversion therapy scenes in A Clockwork Orange"). 

Throughout my treatment, the staff at Moorfields have been phenomenally supportive and kind.  They've indulged my ultra-specific questions and held my hand when I needed it.  Of course much of this is down to the nature of our incredible NHS and reflects the quality and dedication of all staff whom contribute to it. However, without Moorfields Eye Charity much of the work that goes on behind the scenes into researching treatments simply could not happen.  The work completed by Moorfields benefits millions of people around the world affected by eye disease and vision loss.    

I would like to play a small part in supporting this, and go some way in repaying the debt of gratitude I owe.  As such, I'll be completing a 100km/62mile trek from London to Brighton in May 2017.  The walk will be non-stop (i.e. no sleeping) and will take anywhere from 20-30hrs, depending on how much of a sense of humour bypass I have at the bottom of the South Downs.  For those of you whom know me well, you'll understand that physical activity is not really my forte; so a challenge this will certainly be!

I'd be incredibly grateful for any donation you can spare, or anyone you can pass this onto that may be interested in supporting the cause.   

If you'd like to learn more about Moorfields Eye Charity and the work they do, have a look at their website (www.moorfieldseyecharity.org.uk). 

You can find more info about the London2Brighton Challenge here:  http://www.london2brightonchallenge.com/ 

Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings.

Ju

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