Our community

#TeamRetinaUK made quite a splash when 14 younger members of our community took the plunge and went white water rafting.

When Tilly Dowler talks about sight loss, she does so with honesty, humour and an infectious determination to make the most of every opportunity.

Joe lives with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). After completing his GCSEs and A-levels, he studied History at the University of Liverpool, graduating with a 2:1. He went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Management at Bournemouth University, which included a semester in Cologne.

When James Moore moved to Liverpool from Ireland one of the first things he did was search online for information and support for those living with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Little did James know that search two years ago would lead him to new friendships and taking part in a clinical trial for his sight loss condition.

Ryan is living with rod-cone dystrophy. He was diagnosed at age seven and has a family history of inherited sight loss. He was a keen footballer in his early teens and was Head Boy at his High School with excellent academic results. He did start a university degree in Philosophy at the University of Glasgow but chose not to continue after four months.

Elizabeth first heard about Retina UK (then the British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society) when our founder, Lynda Cantor MBE, spoke on BBC In Touch in early 1977. She went along to the charity’s AGM the same year and stayed in touch with Mary Guest, one of the speakers.

Charlotte is living with retinitis pigmentosa. She is a mum of two and is currently working on her PhD, the highest level of academic degree. Her sight loss condition has not held her back.

Annemarie and Kim share the role of Local Group Facilitator for ‘Bumpers’ in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The group meets monthly and is open to anyone living with sight loss in the Belfast area. They currently have almost 40 members, supported by an incredible team of sighted volunteers.

For Jane and Cindy, books have always been more than entertainment. They are a source of comfort, escape and connection – and now, through our new ‘Talking’ Books Peer Support Group, they are a way to bring people together and feel less alone.

Simon talks about his experience of genetic testing and counselling.