Look Forward – Summer 2026 – Issue 190

I’d like to start by expressing my sincere thanks to all of our trustees, fundraisers and volunteers as we mark Volunteers’ Week 2026 between 1-7 June. We are incredibly fortunate to be supported by such a dedicated and passionate group of people. We simply couldn’t do what we do without them.

I’d also like to thank our amazing #TeamRetinaUK TCS London Marathon Runners. Their hard work paid off on Sunday 26 April with 13 runners completing the course in London and one taking part virtually. Together they raised more than £41,000.

Retina UK is proud to officially sponsor the Global RDH12 Family Conference in London on 20 June.

This edition of Look Forward includes an invitation to our Annual Conference in Birmingham (and online) in September. Do please join us if you are able to. Our members will also receive information on how to vote in our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 22 July.  They are an important part of our constitution and their votes ensure that our governance remains robust. Find out more about membership at RetinaUK.org.uk/membership.

Finally, as our 50th anniversary year draws to a close, I would like to thank everyone who has been part of the events to mark this incredible milestone and to take a moment to remember our wonderful founder, Lynda Cantor MBE. Without her energy and tenacity, we wouldn’t be here!

Don’t miss the opportunity to mark the culmination of our 50th anniversary year by joining us on Saturday 24 October for our Gala Dinner at the world-famous London Hilton on Park Lane. Tickets are selling fast so don’t delay and buy yours now.

The event will bring our community and supporters together to make new connections and raise vital funds and awareness for our work. We anticipate a glamorous and impactful evening with the inherited sight loss community at its heart. Join us as we celebrate 50 years of ground-breaking work in supporting people affected by inherited sight loss.

“Inspired by the incredible people that Retina UK supports I am proud to stand with this charity and the vital work that is does. I am looking forward to attending the Gala Dinner.”
Kirstie Rossiter

With spectacular performances, unforgettable moments, exquisite food and an enviable guest list, our gala dinner is set to be an unmissable evening of fun and fundraising.

“The Gala dinner is a great way to support this charity and a worthy cause. With retinitis pigmentosa in our family my husband and I are honoured to be attending.”
Sue Farmer-Jaquest

You can purchase your tickets or tables and find out more at RetinaUK.org.uk/gala-dinner or by calling 01280 815900.

Tickets include a welcome drink, a three course dinner, live entertainment and special guest performances.

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.

The group creates a welcoming space for people affected by inherited retinal conditions to share  experiences, tips and a love of storytelling. At its heart are Jane and Cindy, whose personal journeys with sight loss and shared enthusiasm for audio books have shaped the group from the very beginning.

Both live with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), but their experiences of sight loss – and how it has unfolded over time – have been different. Jane was diagnosed later in life, after years of coping with changing vision and several eye conditions. For Cindy it took many years to fully understand the long term impact of RP, after experiencing problems with her sight from childhood.

Connecting with Retina UK marked a real turning point for Jane. After struggling to find support locally, she reached out to the charity. Through webinars, phone calls and online peer support, she found a space where she could speak openly about her experiences. “I didn’t realise how much I needed to talk,” she reflects.

As her confidence grew, Jane began attending more events and sharing her story. Volunteering felt like a natural next step. It offered a way to give back, while also staying connected to a community that had  supported her when she needed it.

Cindy’s relationship with Retina UK stretches back many years. Alongside a demanding career in social work, university studies and family life, she wanted to volunteer in a way that felt meaningful but flexible. Retina UK offered exactly that.

Cindy’s professional skills, personal experience and the training provided by Retina UK all come together in her volunteering. Helping to shape a brand new peer support group has been a particularly rewarding part of that journey.

Their shared love of reading became the spark for the ‘Talking’ Books Peer Support Group. Audio books play an increasingly important role in both of their lives, offering enjoyment and independence as reading print became more challenging. It was clear that others might be in a similar position – unsure where to start, what platforms to use or simply looking for recommendations.

The idea for a new group grew from those conversations with input from other members of our community. Together, Jane and Cindy worked with Retina UK to create a supportive, informal space where people could explore audio books at their own pace. From its very first meeting, the response showed just how much the group was needed.

After just two meetings, the group has attracted strong interest. Dozens of people joined the initial sessions, with many choosing to stay connected through a WhatsApp group that continues to fill with friendly messages, shared tips and book recommendations. Some members are keen to learn about devices, apps and accessibility features, while others are simply happy to chat about the stories they enjoy.

What Jane and Cindy value most is the tone of the group. There is no pressure to speak, no expectation to attend every meeting and no “right” way to take part. People can drop in, listen quietly or join the conversation when they feel ready. “That flexibility is so important,” Jane says. “Everyone’s circumstances are different.”

Supporting others can be emotionally demanding, and they are realistic about the challenges of volunteering, especially within peer support. They see the powerful impact of small, shared moments – a helpful suggestion, a kind response or a laugh over a favourite book.

As this new peer support group continues to grow, Jane and Cindy hope it will become a lasting source of connection. Through stories, conversation and community, they are helping others rediscover confidence, curiosity and belonging – reminding everyone that even when vision changes, the joy of books, and being part of something new together, remains.

You can find out more about the various peer support groups available from Retina UK at RetinaUK.org.uk/groups. All of our groups are welcoming, safe and friendly places for people to share experiences, tips and information and form friendships.

We are gearing up for this year’s Retina UK Annual Conference and would love you to join us for this popular event, on Saturday 19 September.

Whether you are living with inherited sight loss or supporting a loved one, a long-standing member or new to our charity, come along to learn, connect, and feel part of our friendly and supportive community.

The venue is the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Birmingham (B15 2RS). We will also be live streaming for online attendees. It is free to attend.

During the day you will hear from experts and community members on a wide range of topics including:

• developments in research
• how clinical trials work
• the role of emerging technologies in everyday life.

Lunch will be provided and in person attendees will be able to view the exhibition stands and have dedicated time to chat to the day’s presenters.

In-person places are limited so early registration is encouraged. Book online RetinaUK.org.uk/annual-conference. Or call us on 01280 821334 during

office hours.

“Just wanted to say a huge thank you to all the Retina UK staff for a wonderful Conference yesterday. I came away feeling more positive than ever before.”

 “The conference was so well organised and the helpers/staff were so kind and thoughtful. I felt very well looked after and I had plenty of opportunity to talk to the experts.”

Are you a professional supporting people with inherited sight loss? If so it’s time to book your place at this year’s Retina UK Professionals’ Conference.

The event at the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Birmingham and online on Friday 18 September is free to attend and places fill up fast so register now.

Come along to learn, collaborate, and meet the Retina UK team and others working in the field.

The programme features expert led sessions on genetics, lived experience, creating safe environments for difficult conversations, and emerging wearable technologies. In person attendees will also take part in profession specific CPD workshop sessions.

Lunch will be provided and delegates will also have opportunities to explore exhibition stands and network with peers.

Whether you work directly with individuals and families or contribute to research, service development, or education, the day offers a valuable opportunity to deepen your knowledge, strengthen connections, and take away actionable ideas for your practice.

Book online at RetinaUK.org.uk/prof-conf. Or call us on 01280 821334 during office hours.

“A really rewarding informative day. I promise to tell all my patients with IRDs about Retina UK! Thank you.

 “Really impressed with the professionalism of the whole event. It had been so well thought out and clearly a lot of consideration had gone into the organisation.”

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

Those living with inherited sight loss travelled from across the UK to join our weekend event, the highlight of which was visiting Lee Valley White Water Centre, near Enfield in April.

While a few of the group had met at previous Retina UK events, many were joining us for the first time and those who arrived as strangers left as friends.

The young adults quickly formed a wonderful team who supported each other from the moment they gathered on Friday afternoon until they said sad farewells on Saturday.

“Nice to meet all of you and thank you very much for a fabulous time.”
Jenny

“Thank you so much for a wonderful day. You and everyone at Retina UK have become part of my extended family. I’m in utter joyous tears after today!!! It was a day I will never forget surrounded by beautiful souls. I’m so blessed to have you all as my support group and family. A bit achy but so worth the fun and laughter.”
Zein

They helped and encouraged each other to overcome any fears or challenges they faced, and it was fantastic to see people’s confidence grow as the weekend progressed.

In addition to the white water rafting, staff, volunteers and young adults, enjoyed getting to know each other and sharing experiences over meals.

“Thank you everyone for a fab time!”
Collette

We also held a focus group to better understand how we can meet the aspirations and needs of younger members of our community. This was hugely insightful and will help us plan for the future.

Mark Baxter, Retina UK information and support co-ordinator, who organised the event and took part in the rafting said: “When paddling down the fast moving rapids of life, there will be waves and bumps that can knock you overboard. What defines someone living with progressive sight loss is the strength, courage and determination to not only hold on, but to also pull yourself back on board.”

This is our third young adults’ in-person event, previous activities have included indoor climbing in Birmingham and Up at the O2 in London. The group also meet regularly online and stay connected via a WhatsApp group, both of which are run by young volunteers.

We are grateful to those who have generously funded our activities for young adults and our efforts to better support those aged 18 to 30.

A big thank you also to the rising number of young adults who are supporting our work through volunteering and fundraising activities.

Are you aged 18 to 30? Would you like to make connections with other young adults. We’d love to welcome you to our next online group. Find out more at RetinaUK.org.uk/groups.

Opus Genetics launches clinical trial

Opus Genetics has launched an early-stage clinical trial of OPGx-MERTK, an investigational gene therapy targeting MERTK-related retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

In MERTK-related RP, faulty or missing MERTK disrupts the retinal pigment epithelium’s ability to clear waste products from light-sensing cells known as photoreceptors. This leads to a build-up of debris, inflammation and progressive degeneration of vision starting peripherally due to the loss of photoreceptor cells in the retina.

The therapy uses a harmless viral vector to deliver a healthy copy of the gene into retinal cells, aiming to restore a critical “clean-up” process that supports photoreceptor survival and may slow or potentially prevent further vision loss.

The trial will take place in Abu Dhabi in 2026, assessing the safety and early efficacy of a single subretinal injection. No further information is currently available about recruitment or trial dates.

Lived experience panel

Sign up to the Retina UK lived experience panel and we will notify you of relevant opportunities to get involved in focus groups, surveys, research projects and clinical trials.

Sign up online at RetinaUK.org.uk/lived-experience or call us on 01280 821334.

Slowing sight loss in Stargardt disease

Ocugen’s gene therapy OCU410ST is an experimental treatment designed to slow vision loss in Stargardt disease, which is typically caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene, leading to a buildup of toxic by-products in the central portion of the retina, causing gradual loss of central vision.

Unlike traditional gene therapies that replace a faulty gene, OCU410ST uses a modifier gene approach. Researchers hope to use a gene called RORA to modify disease processes in the retina, rather than to fix ABCA4 itself. The RORA gene makes a protein that helps to regulate what genes are turned on / off and can maintain cell health in the retina by influencing toxin build-up, cell damage and inflammation. This means that this treatment approach has the potential to work for most people with Stargardt disease, regardless of the exact mutation in their ABCA4 gene.

Early findings from the trial showed promising safety results and potential benefits in reducing retinal damage. Treated eyes showed significantly slower progression of retinal damage, with affected areas reduced by around half compared to untreated eyes. Some participants experienced stabilisation or modest improvements in visual acuity. Importantly, no serious treatment-related side effects were reported.

Building on this momentum, Ocugen’s Phase 2/3 GARDian3 trial is now underway, aiming to confirm these early benefits in a larger group of participants.

PDE6A gene therapy trial

Researchers from University Hospital Tübingen in Germany recently announced that there were no signs of visual gains in an early-phase clinical trial of a PDE6A gene therapy for RP. Despite the disappointing results, this trial has provided important information that will help to guide future research.

PDE6A accounts for around one percent of recessive RP cases. The disease primarily affects rod photoreceptors, leading to peripheral vision loss over time, impacting central vision as cones also degenerate.

The investigational therapy, AAV8.hPDE6A, uses a harmless viral vector to deliver a healthy copy of the PDE6A gene which provides the instructions for making part of a protein that is essential for ‘resetting’ the rod cell after it detects light so that it can respond properly again. AAV8.hPDE6A is designed to target rods, aiming to restore normal cell function and slow degeneration.

In this early-phase trial, nine participants received a single subretinal injection at either a low or high dose. Over 12 months, the primary focus was safety, alongside measures of visual function. Encouragingly, no serious treatment-related side effects were reported. However, the trial did not demonstrate meaningful improvements in vision, with some participants experiencing retinal thinning, reduced colour perception, and moderate declines in visual acuity.

While these results may feel disappointing, they represent a valuable step forward. The findings highlight key areas for improvement, such as dosing and delivery, and will help to guide future research. For our community, this trial underscores that even unsuccessful studies play a vital role in progressing towards safe and effective treatments.

The full content for these articles can be found at RetinaUK.org.uk/research-news.

Keep up to date with further developments via our e-News, Look Forward newsletter, social media, website, webinars and podcasts. Sign up at RetinaUK.org.uk/mailing-list.

Make a note in your diary and join one of our upcoming events. Details of all of our events can be found on our website RetinaUK.org.uk/events.

MAY 2026

• 5K a day in May
• Charity Day at Woburn Golf Club (27 May)
• The 5K Wight White Cane Walk 2026 (31 May)

JUNE 2026

• QAC Sight Village North-East, Leeds (2 June)
• The Kiltwalk 2026, Aberdeen (7 June)
• Global RDH12 Family Conference (20 June)

JULY 2026

• QAC Sight Village Central, Birmingham (7-8 July)
• Saucony London 10K (12 July)
• Ride Reigate (12 July)
• Annual General Meeting (22 July)

AUGUST 2026

• The Kiltwalk 2026, Dundee (16 August)

SEPTEMBER 2026

• Great North Run 2026 (13 September)
• The Kiltwalk 2026, Edinburgh (13 September)
• Retina UK Professionals’ Conference, Birmingham (18 September)
• Retina UK Annual Conference, Birmingham (19 September)
• QAC Sight Village North Wales, Llandudno (22 September)
• Sheffield 10K (27 September)
• Robin Hood Half Marathon (27 September)

OCTOBER 2026

• Halloween Skydive (1-31 October)
• Great Scottish Run 10K, Glasgow (4 October)
• Cardiff Half Marathon (4 October)
• Great Scottish Run Half Marathon (6 October)
• Retina UK Day 2026 (8 October)
• Royal Parks Half Marathon (11 October)
• Chester Marathon (11 October)
• Retina UK Gala Dinner (24 October)
• QAC Sight Village South-East, London (27-28 October)

NOVEMBER 2026

• Great Wall of China Trek (8-16 November)
• Sahara Desert Trek 2026 (11-16 November)

DECEMBER 2026

• Big Give Christmas Challenge (1-8 December)

Bonnie Scotland

Retina UK staff and volunteers had a fantastic time at Sight Village Glasgow in March where we also held our own research update event.

It was a whirlwind of a day with a constant stream of visitors to our stand, both those living with inherited sight loss and professionals who provide support. It was a pleasure to meet so many of our community living north of the border.

It was standing room only for our research update event. Dr Birthe Hilgen, from Newcastle University, gave an update on her Retina UK-funded project that aims to bring us a step closer to successful stem cell-based therapies.

Volunteer Sarah Speed, our new Glasgow Peer Support Group facilitator, also held a successful meeting after the main event. Colin Hetherington, our Scotland Ambassador, said: “It was an amazing day although I missed a lot of people as we were approached from all directions. We set out a real positive future for Retina UK in Scotland.”

Global RDH12 Family Conference

Retina UK is proud to officially sponsor the Global RDH12 Family Conference in London on 20 June. This special event will bring together people affected by an inherited retinal dystrophy due to the RDH12 gene. Families will have the opportunity to connect, share experiences and hear the latest updates on research and emerging therapies from leading experts. The day will combine scientific updates, community discussions, and activities for children and young people.

If your family is affected by RDH12, we would love to see you there. Find out more at: https://bit.ly/3QSG4lM.

We are almost at the end of our 50th Anniversary year and what a year it has been. We are reflecting back on some of the significant milestones. We hope you had the opportunity to get involved in some of these and we look forward to welcoming you to more in the future:

Our founder

We were saddened to announce the passing of our founder and honorary president Lynda Cantor MBE in 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 she formed The British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society (BRPS) in 1975, little could she imagine the organisation that Retina UK has become.

BBC Lifeline appeal

On 16 November 2025, our BBC Lifeline Appeal aired on BBC One. It was an amazing opportunity to showcase the fantastic work we do at the charity and we thank everyone who tuned in, donated and supported us. We hope that you found it inspiring, moving and that it made you proud to be part of the Retina UK community. We are pleased to share that it raised almost £15,000.

Big Give Christmas Challenge

We took part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge in December 2025 and raised our highest amount ever – £113,638 (including Gift Aid)! This is an amazing achievement for the charity and we truly couldn’t have done it without your fantastic support.

Community events

Our community have pulled out the stops and organised a whole host of different fundraising events around the country. We also held successful bucket in London Underground stations and in theatres. We are so grateful for the support we have received and we look forward to hearing about your future ideas.

Conference 2025

Our Annual Conference on Saturday 20 September saw more than 250 people join us in London. As part of the charity’s 50th anniversary, we took the opportunity to reflect on our developments so far and looked to the future with an update on scientific progress. The day was filled with smiles. Connections were made, friendships were forged and a real sense of community was felt around the room and online.

London Marathon 2026

Our incredible #TeamRetinaUK TCS London Marathon runners took on the iconic course on Sunday 26 April in aid of Retina UK. Their hard work and dedication paid off with  everyone completing the gruelling course, including one virtual runner who took part close to home. Together they raised more than £41,000 for Retina UK!

Sahara trek

In November 2025 Retina UK led a group of 16 intrepid explorers on a trek across the Sahara desert. This was the first trek in many years. It certainly didn’t disappoint.

Participants James and Lisa said “the trek is not just about walking across a desert. It’s about walking together – towards hope, towards discovery, and towards a future where more people can benefit from life-changing treatments.”

We are planning another Sahara trek in 2026 as well as opportunities for treks in Spain and China. Find out more at RetinaUK.org.uk/events.

If you’re inspired to take part in an event or to fundraise for Retina UK, visit What’s On for details for the remainder of 2026.

Keith lives with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited retinal condition that has been part of his family history for generations. His maternal grandfather and great uncle both had RP, and Keith’s parents knew from birth that he had a 50% chance of inheriting it. For many years, however, he believed he had escaped it.

Although Keith experienced night blindness from a young age, he assumed it was normal. It wasn’t until his mid-twenties – after failing the eyesight requirement in a driving test – that he was formally diagnosed at Moorfields Eye Hospital.

Keith worked as a maths teacher in a sixth form college, a role he loved and was able to continue longer than might otherwise have been possible. However, as his sight deteriorated, marking complex maths became increasingly difficult. At the age of 46, he took early medical retirement, supported by an enhanced pension.

Not long after his diagnosis, Keith was introduced to what was then the British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society (now Retina UK). Although it took a few years for him to attend his first local meeting, that moment proved hugely significant.

“I saw myself in 30 years’ time – but I also found hope.”

Meeting others living with RP helped Keith realise that life, purpose, and meaningful interests did not end with sight loss. Hearing from blind art historian William Kirby, in particular, reassured him that his love of art could continue.

From then on, Keith became deeply involved with the charity, volunteering at local events, serving on committees, and eventually joining the helpline. For many years, he provided peer support to others affected by inherited sight loss.

“As soon as I walked into the helpline training, I felt at home. They were all people like me.”

Today, Keith is completely blind and lives independently in Winchester. He travels confidently by train, volunteers with several community organisations, supports accessibility improvements locally, and remains active with Retina UK.

Reflecting on his journey, Keith says the charity helped him feel less alone and more hopeful about the future.

“I thought we were the only ones. Very quickly, I realised we weren’t.”

For Keith, Retina UK has been a constant source of connection, purpose, and reassurance – and a place where lived experience continues to make a real difference.

Meet the team: Anish Nathwani

Anish joined Retina UK in February as Volunteer Manager.

He is incredibly excited to get stuck in and support our fantastic volunteer community. Over the coming months, he will strengthen volunteer processes, improve communication, champion volunteer voices, and make sure every volunteer feels welcomed, empowered, and part of the Retina UK community.

Based in Nottingham, Anish brings a calm approach and a people‑first mindset. Before joining Retina UK, he spent five years at the British Red Cross, working right at the centre of volunteer management and community education. He has also volunteered with various charities supporting community projects. He believes in compassion, community, and the power of people coming together to create meaningful change.

Anish said “I am thrilled to be part of Retina UK and genuinely inspired by the dedication and warmth of the volunteer community. I can’t wait to get to know more of the Retina UK volunteers, celebrate their achievements, and play a part in all the brilliant things ahead.”

Volunteers’ Week 2026

Volunteers have played a significant part in the history of Retina UK. From its early foundations the charity was led by volunteers and they continue to play a significant role in the work we do today. We simply couldn’t do what we do without them.

We will be marking Volunteers’ Week from 1-7 June. Follow Retina UK on social media to find out more.

We are delighted to invite you to take part in the Retina UK online auction, giving you the opportunity to support people living with inherited sight loss, while bidding on an exciting range of items and experiences.

Current auction items include a Dyson V15, a Slater menswear voucher and a Next care package.

By taking part in the auction, you will be directly supporting our vital work, while also being in with a chance to bid on some fantastic prizes.

Please visit RetinaUK.org.uk/auction and follow the link through to GiveWheel where you’ll find instructions to place your bids.

New auction lots will be added throughout the year, so if nothing captures your interest right now, be sure to check back regularly and stay engaged through our social media channels for the latest updates.

If you have any questions about the auction or would like to donate an item or experience, please contact us at [email protected].

“Your donation, whether large or small, makes a massive difference to the lives of people with sight loss. It gives us hope and ensures that anyone diagnosed in the future will have access to the advice and support they need when they ask for it.”
Kirsten, Community Member

Our AGM will take place on Wednesday 22 July 2026 at 7.15pm online (Zoom), to allow as many of our members as possible to take part.

Online, postal and telephone voting will be held in advance of the AGM, meaning all members who choose to do so can exercise their right to vote at a time, and in a format, that is accessible to them. All members with voting rights will receive information on how to vote.

We will present the results of the vote at our online interactive AGM meeting. All are welcome to attend the meeting where there will also be the opportunity to hear from our Chair and Treasurer and to ask them, the Board and our Chief Executive questions. Details of how to join the AGM can be found at RetinaUK.org.uk/news/agm-2026.

Agenda

1. Welcome
2. Apologies
3. Approval of the minutes of the previous AGM (online vote)
4. Presentation of the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
5. Adoption of the Annual Report and Accounts for 2025 (online vote)
6. The appointment of the auditors (online vote)
7. Presentation of Retina UK activity in 2025 and 2026 plans
8. The appointment of trustees (online vote)
9. Any other business

We are pleased to shine a light on some of our fantastic supporters in our Thanks To You pages. We quite simply can’t do it without you and are so grateful to you all.

• A big thank you to Jemma, Sasha and Yvonne who took on a skydive on Yvonne’s 80^th They raised an incredible £5,000 … we are so proud of them!
• Adrian set off in the rain on a fundraising walk in Aylesbury in February with friends and family. He raised over £500. Thank you.
• Lisa and her lovely mum arranged a coffee morning and raised over £1,000 for Retina UK. Fantastic!
• Rose from Lancaster is collecting stamps for Retina UK throughout 2026. Inspired to do the same? Visit RetinaUK.org.uk/stamps.
• Congratulations to all our marathon runners in Retford and Sheffield. You are all so inspiring. Together they raised almost £2,500. What a wonderful achievement
• Kim from Northern Ireland received a donation of £500 from the NI Texel Club. Thank you for your generous support.
• Jodie held a bake sale in her school and got all her pupils in Year 6 involved. They raised over £1,000 in one morning. Thank you for all your support.
• Mark took on an acrobatic wing walk dressed as C-3PO on 4 May and raised almost £1,000. Thank you.
• Manisha who works for our corporate partner Sheet Anchor Evolve, raised an fantastic £676 taking part in a skydive recently. Thank you.
• Thank you to Serhan and his friends and family. He raised £700 for Retina UK taking part in a skydive!
• Jackie took on the South Downs Way and raised an incredible £450. Thank you.
• Our friends at Outwood Academy’s “Valley’s Got Talent” raised almost £300 for Retina UK in February. Thank you.
• Danny and family collected at Bristol airport in aid of his London Marathon total. He has raised more than £2,500. Thank you.
• Thank you to our amazing TCS London Marathon runners who did us proud. Together they raised more than £41,000.

If you would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Call Maria on 07736 968158 or email [email protected]. Details of all of our upcoming challenge events can be found on our website: RetinaUK.org.uk/challenge.

Thank you to everyone who has fundraised for Retina UK over the last few months. Please share your photos with us at [email protected] or tag us on social media.

Phone donations

If you would like to make a donation via telephone, please call our team on 01280 815900.

Your generosity will enable us to accelerate the search for treatments, whilst also providing vital support services.

Text donations

A simple and quick way to give!

• Text LFFIVE to 70560 to donate £5
• Text LFTEN to 70560 to donate £10
• Text LFTWENTY to 70560 to donate £20

Text donations will be added to your monthly phone bill and will cost your donation plus one standard network rate message.

Cheques

If you would like to donate by cheque, please send it to us at Freepost Retina UK.

Join the Retina UK Lottery

Be in with the chance of winning £25,000 every Friday – for just £1 a go. 50+ supporters have won a cash prize so far and you could be next! Sign up today: RetinaUK.org.uk/lottery.

• £10 could pay for the primers required for the DNA analysis that detects disease causing mutations that result in RP.
• £50 could pay for one hour of super resolution microscope imaging, allowing scientists to visualise how light sensing photoreceptors are damaged in RP.
• £100 could pay for one PhD student for a day.

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Retina UK is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered in England and Wales. Registered charity number 1153851.