Children and young people in Norfolk living with sight loss have received a boost following a year of fundraising by the Lowestoft branch of the Royal Society of St George, who have chosen to support the work which Vision Norfolk does to support vision impaired young people and their families for three years.
Branch secretary Brian Caton and member Paul Debenham presented a cheque for £250 as the first instalment of that support. Mr Debenham has a close personal connection with the work the charity does, as his son Mikey was born blind in one eye due to optic nerve hypoplasia, and has reduced vision in the other eye.
“When we asked our members which charities they wanted to support for the next three years, Paul suggested Vision Norfolk, and having explained the amazing support network that the charity has for vision impaired children and their families, it was a popular suggestion amongst our members,” said Mr Caton.
Receiving the cheque, Josh Bartholomew, children, young people and families co-ordinator at Vision Norfolk, said, “We are delighted that the members of the Royal Society of St George have chosen us as one of the good causes they will support through their fundraising activity for the next three years.
“The programme of activities and support which we are able to offer to vision impaired young people and their families is entirely dependent on the generosity of local people .
“Sight loss doesn’t just affect the young person, it has a profound effect on those around them. When a child is registered with sight loss or vision impairment, it can be a worrying and confusing time, and can feel lonely and isolating. We offer emotional and practical support to both the young person and their family.”
Further information about the support that Vision Norfolk offers vision impaired children, young people and their families can be found at www.visionnorfolk.org.uk/children-young-people-and-families.
