Meet the team

We are a small and friendly team of enthusiastic fundraisers passionate about raising as much money as possible to fund pioneering research and vital services.

During these uncertain times, we are working remotely whenever possible and so unfortunately it is unlikely that we will be able to answer our fundraising office telephone number (01280 815900). To reach our team, please either email us or call us using the individual contact details below.

Deborah Laing

Head of Fundraising
deborah.laing@RetinaUK.org.uk
07841 004564

I head up the team, formulate our overall strategy and secure some of our more substantial funding for research and services. I manage our relationships with the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring that we work together in an ethical and transparent way to achieve the very best outcomes for our community. I’ve worked as a fundraiser for many years now, and I love being part of a charity that’s so focused on creating real change.

Image shows a photo of Simon. He is wearing a blue Retina UK top. There is a sign in the background which reads 'Retina UK - Virgin Money London Marathon 2021 post-race reception'.

Simon Taylor

Community and Events Fundraising Manager
simon.taylor@RetinaUK.org.uk
07736 925174

I’m here to help any of our supporters who want to fundraise in their community. Whether you’re thinking of taking on a challenge or want to pull something together with your family and friends, get in touch and I’ll be happy to support you to make your fundraising a success. I’ve worked in fundraising for around nine years, helping everyone from families and volunteer groups to community clubs and corporates. I look forward to helping you achieve your goal for Retina UK!

Kimberly Harvey

Kimberly Harvey

Individual Giving Manager
kimberly.harvey@RetinaUK.org.uk
07590 425644

My role sees me building relationships with our supporters and showing them the many ways they can help fund our work. Providing information on why donations are so important, and how they are making a genuine difference within our community. We want to make sure everyone with inherited sight loss lives a fulfilling life and donations will make that a possibility. I have spent most of my career fundraising, and I love the spirit here at Retina UK.

Fiona Leahy

Corporate and Community Fundraising Officer
fiona.leahy@RetinaUK.org.uk
07736 958207

My role is to maintain and develop effective relationships with our existing corporate partners, as well as researching new prospective supporters to expand our network.

I explore and develop opportunities to grow our income, whilst facilitating ways for our partners to fulfil their corporate social responsibility requirements and engage in employee fundraising and volunteering.

Mithan Das Bhaumik - he is smiling at the camera and wearing a white shirt with a dark tie and dark jacket

Mithun Das Bhaumik

Trusts and Major Gifts Officer
mithun.dasbhaumik@RetinaUK.org.uk
07841 481423

My role involves building an excellent rapport with trusts and major donors to maximise income for crucial research projects and numerous initiatives to support our community. I aim to give excellent customer service to anyone who is considering helping our cause, or who has already made a donation.

Having come from a language teaching background, I particularly enjoy fostering new relationships and collaborating with others to achieve common objectives together, and success to me means affecting the lives of others in a very positive and meaningful way.