Over the past year Eye Matter has been so appreciative of the various fundraising activities achieved by its members. Nicky (aged 52) explained “I only moved to London in April and have been made to feel so welcome by eye matter. I guess I just want to give something back. I’m not really a sporty person, but swimming is something I can do and like.”

Nicky (when aged six months) was diagnosed with Retina Blastoma. Which means tumours on the retina. Subsequently, years of life-saving treatment resulted in her sight loss at an early age. For many years swimming provided an escape for Nicky and she was delighted to be able to join London Sports for the Blind who provide a swimming session when she moved into the city. Like so many blind and partially sighted people, particularly outside the main cities, Nicky has struggled accessing regular exercise, “Sadly what I am hearing from a lot of visually impaired people is that they would really like to take part in fitness but can’t as there is no support in mainstream centres.”

As well as participating in Eye Matters activities she now swims 2-3 times a week in her local pool at Forest Hill. Nicky appreciates the physical and mental effects of being able to swim regularly, “it allows me to unwind and jump off the planet for a while. I think we all need a bit of escapism from time to time!”

Eye Matter is an award-winning charity that empowers and educates our visually impaired community that are all over 18. We ran 200 online meetings last year and 36 in-person events. We offer peer support and social inclusion. Some of our events include confidence building workshops, poetry appreciation, bookclub, choir, brain aerobics, inspiring speakers, grief workshops, audio described yoga, concerts, talent shows and that's just online!

In person, we do audio described theatre, private guided museum tours, sports days, sledging, audio described zoo visits, music venues, stand-up comedy, a winter extravaganza and last year we had our first Eye Matter holidays.

All money raised will go toward the running of Eye Matter.

Thank you so much for your support.