Hello, thank you for stopping by my page!
I was born with nystagmus as a side effect of aniridia. Nystagmus means my eyes shake and wobble involuntarily all the time, and as a result it's hard for me to see detail and read text unless it's close up or enlarged.
I struggled with my confidence in early childhood, but went on to make many friends, get a degree and secure a good job. And recently I've moved to London, an amazing, exciting city. I'm really enjoying trying new things, meeting new people and taking up new opportunities, as part of which I've formed a close connection with the Nystagmus Network. My adventures to date are documented on my blog and Youtube channel at www.welleyenever.com.
So this is going to be my biggest challenge and greatest opportunity so far - abseiling 80 metres (262 feet) down the ArcelorMittal Orbit tower in the Olympic Park! I've never abseiled before, but the prospect of this excites me - raising money for a great cause while enjoying amazing views and trying something completely different, what's not to like?
The money raised will fund pioneering research into nystagmus at Moorfields Eye Hospital and the University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, including Vijay Tailor's study into nystagmus and visual crowding, and Parashkev Nachev's work on magnetic implants to control rapid eye movements. These projects have the potential to make a huge difference to many thousands of people's lives.
I've already raised the minimum £250 required to do the abseil, and passing £350 means I'll get a free t-shirt too! Thank you to everyone who has helped me get that far! But I really want to get to £500 at least, because that will earn me a free professional photo on the day, and I would love to have such a special souvenir of the event!
My visual impairment hasn't stopped me being happy and successful, and it won't stop me from doing this. Especially if I know I have your support, that will mean a great deal to me!
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. You can donate here on the website with just a few clicks. Or you can donate via SMS, by texting WENA80 followed by a space and your amount (£1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10) to 70070. For example, to donate £5 text WENA80 £5 to 70070.
You will also be asked if you want to include Gift Aid. If you are a UK taxpayer please say yes. The government will then increase your donation by 25% at no extra cost to you.
Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Thank you so much for your support, I really do appreciate it!
