My brother Simon was born with Congenital Glaucoma and lost the sight in one eye at a very early age. He had managed to have a very normal, active and outgoing life adapting to having only one eye until 2008. His only good eye was damaged as a result of a random attack where his cornea was severed. Simon was told he may never see again and was registered blind. Ten months later he was given a corneal transplant and started the road to partially regaining some sight and eventually being able to drive...He was in a really good place. 3 years later the transplant started to reject.

For 12 months it was a constant battle for Mr. Reddy and his team to try and stabilize the rejection. The rejection made seeing things very cloudy, with difficulty seeing any detail and determining distance. Simon could no longer drive again and had to have guided support, in essence he was losing his sight for the second time.

A second corneal transplant was performed in Jan 2014 by Mr. Reddy and 16 months later Simon’s eye reacted well with his sight improving all the time. Had it not been for the skill, support and management of the Ophthalmology department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Simon would certainly still be registered blind.

The team; My brother Simon, his son Evan, and my son Ryan are doing the Ben Nevis challenge. A grueling 7 hour race, running from Fort William to the Summit of Ben Nevis, then run back, cycle 15 miles, canoe 1.5 miles, then a 10 mile cycle to the finish line. All 4 members must complete the course together so it is a real team effort.

All monies raised will go towards a Specular Microscope for the Ophthalmology Dept at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. This is designed to evaluate the condition of the cornea before and after transplant. Having this technology increases the success of surgery for various corneal conditions and gives people like Simon a chance to regain a good quality of life...” So please anyone who knows me and of Simon’s journey, or anyone who finds his story inspirational, please help me and our team to reach our target.

Cheers and thanking you in advance

Michael

You can also donate via SMS by sending Text to 70070 with my Personal Code - JRMR60 and amount next to the code.