Tribute to Retina UK founder Lynda Cantor MBE
Retina UK is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its founder and honorary president Lynda Cantor MBE.
Lynda, who founded the charity 50 years ago and continued to serve as a Trustee until recently, died on 21 August 2025.
She was the driving force behind the charity’s development from a small community group to the respected national organisation it is today.
Lynda made a huge impact for thousands of people living with inherited sight loss throughout the charity’s history. Her unwavering commitment, determination and vision were fuelled by the impact of retinitis pigmentosa on her own life.
When Lynda formed The British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society (BRPS) in 1975, little could she imagine the organisation that Retina UK has become.
When reflecting on her diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa for a Retina UK podcast recorded in 2023 she said: “I had two young children at the time, I thought what we’ve got to do is found a charity and give patients the knowledge they need. I thought it would just be small club where people with the disease could meet up and chat. The charity is very, very different to what it was in those early days.
“One day, hopefully, there won’t be any need for Retina UK, but in the meantime we have got to go on working hard and invest as much money as we can so future generations will get the right treatments.”
She was also involved in the formation of Retina International.
Since the first fundraising garden party in 1975 (which made a profit of £187) Retina UK has invested more than £18 million into ground-breaking research and huge advances have been made into unlocking the causes of inherited sight loss and developing potential treatments.
Lynda was recognised for her work with the award of an MBE in 1994.
Retina UK chief executive Tina Garvey said: “Lynda was the lifeblood of our charity for 50 years and a true force of nature. She was a beacon of hope for the community and will always remain a source of inspiration for all those who were fortunate enough to meet her. She will be sadly missed by the trustees, staff, volunteers and all those involved with Retina UK over the years. Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.”
Retina UK Chair Kathy Evans said: “In Retina UK Lynda has left a wonderful legacy. Her commitment to the charity and to the inherited sight loss community never faltered and she was always a great source of wisdom and support. There will be so many heartfelt tributes to her as we celebrate the 50 years since she and Professor Marshall started it all – and also a huge gap.”
Retina UK Trustee Prof John Marshall, who has been involved with charity since the very first meeting said: “Lynda has been a guiding light and true friend for over 50 years. Without her drive and vision there would be an £18million gap in the funding of research to search for treatments for inherited retinal dystrophies. Lynda was a one-of-a-kind lady who we will all miss and be forever grateful to.”
