Look Forward issue 144 - September 2012

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Look Forward Issue 144 September 2012 Registered Charity No. 271729

Inside The RP Conference 2012: Full report Page 3 Charity of the Year: nearly ÂŁ10,000 raised!

Page 7 London Marathon: Team RP Page 8 Stars of Our Community Page 9

Retina International World Congress Members of RP Fighting Blindness were proud to attend the 17th Retina International World Congress in Hamburg in July. The event is an international forum for people with RP to meet researchers from around the world.

The sessions took place over two days and featured eminent clinicians presenting on subjects as diverse as gene therapy, retinal chips and transcorneal electrical stimulation.

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Retina International World Congress, Hamburg Page 12 Jeans for Genes Day Page 17 Four Capitals Dinner Page 20

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NEWS

Letter from the Chief Executive patients are becoming more knowledgeable and As I write this I am increasingly prepared to question and challenge the in the middle of scientists. There are reports preparations for from both events in this the infamous 200 mile Coast to Coast issue of Look Forward which I hope walk; 17 RP people you enjoy reading. Perhaps we can look forward to meeting some of with varying our readers at our next RP Patient degrees of sight Information Day which is in London loss are tackling this challenge to raise funds for RP research. I’d like on 18th September. to take this opportunity to thank all Once again a very full magazine is of our challenge fundraisers; not ahead of you. I hope you enjoy the just trekkers, but runners and articles and, as ever, thank you for parachute jumpers and people who your continued support for our work do all sorts of other strange things fighting RP. to stretch themselves and raise awareness and funds. We have all heard about amazing high profile achievements, heartache and heroism during the Olympics and Paralympics, but it never fails to RP Fighting Blindness funds inspire me when positive people medical research into retinitis take on personal challenges at all pigmentosa and also offers a levels. range of information and support For RP Fighting Blindness, this last services to patients quarter saw two significant RP and their families. events, our own conference back in PO Box 350 June and the Retina International Buckingham, MK18 1GZ Congress in Hamburg in July. These were two very successful meetings E: info@rpfightingblindness.org.uk with fantastic speakers and superb P: 01280 821334 audiences; it seems to me that RP

David Head MBA

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NEWS

The RP Conference 2012 RP Fighting Blindness was exceptionally proud to welcome over 200 members and supporters to The RP Conference on Saturday June 23rd…

most enjoyable day and there was such a warm feeling, as well as a buzz in the air. Speaking personally, it was the best conference I have attended, and not just because there was a lot more confidence and optimism.”

A particular highlight of the day was The RP Awards 2012 which were presented by former Chairman of the board, Sir Alan Rudge. All winners are extremely Held at the Novotel London St deserving of their awards and you Pancras, the one day event featured can read about their involvement five plenary sessions, keynote with the charity in their own words addresses from some of the world’s on these pages. finest clinicians, quality interactive exhibition stands and a plethora of In the afternoon there was an exceptionally informative information for RP’ers and their presentation by Professor Robert families.

MacLaren focussed on gene The sessions covered topics such therapy and the application of stem as ‘Supporting RP Parents’, ‘RP and cells to halt sight loss in RP. your Career’ and ‘What Next for RP Professor MacLaren was followed by Fighting Blindness?’ and all Mr Michel Michaelides’ informative presentations were informative and presentation on gene therapy. highly focussed on individual issues. Questions were invited from Michel and Robert were then joined onstage by Professor Alison the audience and engaging Hardcastle, Professor Michael conversation followed each.

Cheetham and Professor Shomi Throughout the conference there Bhattacharya for the final session was an electric atmosphere, with of the day, RP Question Time. Thus one attendee remarking, “It was the followed a fruitful and stimulating www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk

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NEWS

question and answer session, with queries from our delegates on a wide range of topics being directed towards our panel. Many specialisms and topics were covered, from gene therapy to dietary needs, but one of the most interesting points was made by Professor Alison Hardcastle who urged everyone to ask their consultants for genetic mapping, to ensure when research subjects are required that their individual cases are considered.

THE ADDISON FAMILY The Roger Green Award – Recognising Special Contribution

Sound files of all the presentations are available to download from the recordings area of our website, www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk.

Our next RP Patient Information Day takes place in London on September 18th. To reserve your place or for more information, call 01280 821334 or email michelle@rpfightingblindness.org.uk.

the end of his teenage years. We went to our first meeting with our local branch, then got involved with street collections before going on to hold numerous fundraising events ourselves. We know that time is not on Toby's side and that we have to try and raise as much awareness and money as we can whilst trying to lead as normal a family life as possible.

What does winning the award mean When did you first get involved with to you and your family?

RP Fighting Blindness and why?

We were very proud and honoured Toby was diagnosed with early to receive the inaugural Roger onset rod and cone dystrophy when Green award. It meant a lot to us to he was two. It took us a couple of be recognised for our fundraising months to get our head around the and to receive the award from such fact that our son could go blind by a well-respected gentleman.

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MARGOT EDMONDS The John George Award for Volunteering

the first time in March 1995.

What does winning the award mean to you?

When did you first get involved with What a difficult question! Obviously RP Fighting Blindness, and why? it is always good to know that one’s energy and time spent thinking and I retired in 1994 organising are appreciated. But and when retirement came I really the reward for all that comes was determined to from the people I had the good fortune to work with. It was a give some active humbling experience to watch support to a peoples’ determination to move on charity – the from their disadvantage. To me, I problem was which one. I heard think this award reminds me of all about RP, and the charity, from a these friends and the example they fellow resident at the retirement set and really whatever was home in which I lived. I was told achieved, we achieved it together. It that the charity wanted to start a group in Oxford so I said I would do was they who made it worthwhile and it is that which gives this award just that. I was given names of meaning to me. people in the area and we met for ALAN CHAMLEY The RP Fundraiser of the Year

due to the introduction of the When did you first get involved with RP Treks. Since RPFB launched the RP Fighting Blindness, and why? first of these in I was a founder member of the March 2009 things Cambridge Branch in 1997, with have really hit a three other local people. high note. I have What does winning the award mean taken part in four of these; to the to you?

Sahara, Namibia, Iceland and the Winning the award is difficult to put Coast to Coast this year. Now, I could go on for pages about those into words, but the incentive to alone! raise the money has come about www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk

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JILL HENDRY The Lynda Cantor Award – Young Person’s Contribution When did you first get involved with RP Fighting Blindness, and why?

I first heard of RPFB through our neighbours. When I heard about ‘Jump for Sight’ (the skydiving challenge) I decided that, by doing something I had always wanted to do, I could possibly raise some money and that could be my way to help. I was really amazed by the amount of money we managed to raise and when my dad read about the New York marathon I asked if I would be able to do it as well. I think my dad was a bit shocked as he thought he was the one who would have to run with me!

However, I have a friend who has agreed to run with me – boy, is my dad pleased.

What does winning the award mean to you?

I was delighted and honoured to receive the award, and it came as a surprise to me as I didn’t know I had been nominated. It makes me feel that doing the fundraising and trying to make people more aware of RP is worthwhile and the more people that know about the condition, hopefully the more people will help. I listened to the awards on the website and felt really pleased to hear the applause from the audience, I wish I had been there.

To reserve your place for the London RP Patient Information Day on September 18th, call 01280 821334 or email michelle@rpfightingblindness.org.uk. Small travel bursaries may be available for patients who would be otherwise unable to attend, email david@rpfightingblindness.org.uk for more information.

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FUNDRAISING

Charity of the Year!

RP Fighting Blindness were delighted when BWB Consulting announced us as their 2011-12 Charity of the Year partner…

Of particular note: • Thirteen employees took part in a 102 mile sponsored cycle ride through the East Midlands • Employee Graham Littlewood walked the 192 mile Alfred Wainwright Coast to Coast walk in a week as part of his holiday!

Twelve months later, we were overjoyed to receive a cheque from the Nottingham-based engineering firm for £9,323.20!

The Company started their Charity of the Year initiative in 2010 and Associate Paul Wilson nominated RPFB from the outset. Paul has RP and has worked for BWB for over nine years with the company being aware of, and supporting his condition.

• Paul Wilson completed the Silverstone Half Marathon in 2 hours, 15 minutes despite a knee problem • Tim Loveridge cycled 304 miles from Paris to Geneva, climbing 2,000 vertical metres in one day across the Jura mountains • Damian Eddyshaw joined Team RP and completed the London Marathon in April.

RP Fighting Blindness' Senior Fundraiser Julie Child comments, The BWB office team went above and beyond the call of duty to raise "We are delighted with the amount of money raised from our first these funds, undertaking some Charity of the Year partnership. amazing challenges including BWB Consulting have smashed our running events, football matches, expectations. The company have bike rides and extreme walks. All staff members should be applauded set a fantastic benchmark for our for their hard work and commitment. future corporate supporters." www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk

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EVENTS

Running Events We have places available for the Virgin London Marathon 2013, Bupa London 10K, New York Marathon and Silverstone Half Marathon…put your running shoes on and join Team RP! OUR TOP FIVE REASONS TO JOIN TEAM RP: • Huge sense of achievement • Small steps, big rewards • You will make a real difference!

• Anyone can do this • We’ll support you every step of the way

Whether you’re up for the 26.2 mile London Marathon, the Silverstone Half Marathon or the shorter (6.2 mile) Bupa 10K, please contact Michelle on michelle@rpfightingblindness.org.uk or call 01280 821334.

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FUNDRAISING

Stars of Our Community This issue, we'd like to highlight some people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support the charity…

supporters included his wife Caryn, who has RP, and their children Liam and Keira.

Thanks to everyone who took part in the Three Peaks Fundraising for RPFB has been a challenge! Unfortunately however, family project for the Moors. Hilary two of the competitors, James and is visually impaired with RP but she Karen, had to duck out of Snowdon doesn’t let that stand in the way of to catch their flight home, but they her life. Last summer, Hilary and scaled Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis – her husband David decided to raise amazing achievements! money for the charity and thought the Great Manchester 10k run was Heidi Maccoll, Becky Lawrie a good idea! For their daughter and their group Alice’s christening they asked for deserve a sponsorship rather than gifts and massive pat on embarked on months of training, the back for spreading the word along the way.

Even on race day they explained all climbing all 1,344 metres of Ben Nevis earlier this year. Special about RPFB to a lady who was mention must go to 23-year-old worried about her brothers’ RP diagnosis, highlighting the benefits Becky, who has RP and has lost about 75% of her sight. You’re an of our helpline, resources and research. Despite being, in Hilary’s inspiration! words, “not runners”, they both Without people who give their time completed the race and raised £502! and energy to raise funds, we Mark Young completed the Belfast wouldn’t be able to continue. Your Marathon in an amazing 4 hours 48 support is invaluable to us and we minutes, raising over £1,500! Mark’s thank you all. www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk

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NEWS

Outreach Update Sue Drew, the charity's Outreach Officer, gives an update on what's been happening over the last quarter...

The update for this issue will be brief as I have opted to include articles from some organisations I come into contact with through our outreach work. I hope that sharing information about the diverse work of some other sight loss charities will prove informative and useful to you.

For further event details visit www.qac.ac.uk/sightvillage

Movement Matters

Movement Matters is an initiative set up by the National Blind Children’s Society in partnership with Guide Dogs. It offers support We meet many organisations and advice about mobility, through our presence at the various orientation and independence to exhibitions held during the year. children and young people with Sight Village Birmingham, held in visual difficulties and their July, is the largest of these. It was families. an extremely busy and successful event, bringing us into contact with As well as comprehensive agespecific information packs, many individuals and families affected by RP. We met some of our interactive family training and information sessions are being existing members and, as always, offered, which include printed some visitors diagnosed with RP who had not previously heard of us. materials which are then followed Some people wanted to catch up on up with telephone support from a mobility instructor specialising in the latest research news and young people. They will offer advice others needed more specific on strategies and skills to enable information and support. the young person to achieve their We will be present at the Sight own independence as far as Village Roadshows in York on 4th possible.

October and in London on 6th and 7th of November.

The first course will take place in 10

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NEWS Birmingham in October with further dates in other regions to be confirmed. For more information contact Stephanie Village on 0121 423 4892.

Blind Veterans UK Did you do National Service? If so, Blind Veterans UK may well be able to provide you and your family with a lifetime's practical and emotional support.

Sound too good to be true? Well it’s not! Blind Veterans UK, formerly St Dunstan's, is the leading organisation supporting vision impaired ex-Service men and women, regardless of how long or when they served. They get their members back on their feet, recovering their independence and discovering a life beyond sight loss.

Their top quality services include providing lifelong welfare support, rehabilitation, training, nursing, residential and respite care. Sight loss isn't temporary – Blind Veterans UK support every veteran for the rest of their lives.

Afghanistan. Regardless of their age, all members feel like they are part of a strong, positive community who understand what sight loss means to a veteran. The spirit of mutual support is vital, and helps members to rediscover confidence and hope.

If you think you might qualify for support or you know anyone who served in the Armed Forces and has sight problems please visit www.blindveterans.org.uk or telephone 0800 389 7979.

Usher syndrome research Do you have Usher syndrome?

Liz Ellis, a researcher at Birmingham University, is currently running a project about the experiences of people with Usher (type 1, type 2 and type 3). Liz and her research team would like know about the lives, experiences and opinions of people affected by Usher. Those who take part will receive a £20 voucher. The project is funded by Sense.

For more information please email usher.project@contacts.bham.ac.uk, Blind Veterans UK has a very diverse membership from veterans telephone 0121 414 4392, or text who served in WW2, through to ex- 07591 126370. Please ask your Service personnel affected by RP, to parent/carer to make the contact if people injured while serving in you are under 18. Thank you! www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk

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Retina International Conference July 2012

RP Fighting Blindness Trustee and Retina International Representative, Stephen Jones, reports from Hamburg…

“This was the 17th Retina International World Congress and it was certainly one of the very best since I became the RI Rep in 2000.

The quality of the speakers and their presentations was very high, the conference venue was excellent and the standard of organisation by hosts Pro-Retina Deutschland was superb.

reports back from patients who have participated in clinical trials, particularly the retinal chip trials.

It would be impossible to give more than a flavour of all that took place at the conference but a few impressions are given below:

• Among the long list of eminent scientists and clinicians from all Conference Title: ‘Gateway To Vision’ round the world were three from the UK: Professors Robin Ali, The open sessions were attended Robert MacLaren and Alan Bird. by almost 700 people, with representatives from approximately • It is getting difficult to keep up 40 countries. About a dozen RP with all the clinical trials taking Fighting Blindness members were place in different countries but present. The feedback was excellent the number dealing with RP and and there was a definite buzz related retinal dystrophies, around the conference as speaker excluding macular degeneration, after speaker reported progress in is now about 20. research and clinical trials.

• Presentations on gene therapy The conference sessions consisted were given by a number of of presentations by scientists and speakers including Robin Ali, clinicians, plus a number of Jean Bennett and Robert patient-focussed sessions such as MacLaren. There has been some ‘Coping with RP’, ‘Ask the Expert’ levelling off in the rate of and meetings on specific progress for patients in the syndromes. A new trend at such RPE65 trials but this was to be expected and scientists are now conferences is that there are 12

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NEWS produced by the company QLT. General comment was that the results appear to be very promising.

L-R: Lorna Rosenstein of the Foundation Fighting Blindness of Canada, Daniela • Weng Tao of Neurotech reported on a number of Phase 1 and Brohlburg of Pro-Retina Deutschland, Phase 2 clinical trials for the Stephen Jones RPFB

growth factor CNTF. Some commentators believe this may become the first commercially available treatment for RP other than retinal chips.

refining their approaches and moving on to different genes.

Robin Ali reported that his team will now concentrate on cones and plans new gene therapy • Other subject areas covered in clinical trials in the future, the presentations included stem including CNGB3 achromatopsia. cells (a second inspiring paper by Robert MacLaren reported on the Robin Ali) and optogenetics plus work his team in Oxford are doing more general sessions on genetics, on choroideremia and the diagnosis and genetic testing. excellent preliminary results from the clinical trial involving 12 Business Sessions for Delegates patients.

• Various presentations were given The Continuing Education on retinal chips including the two Programme (CEP) and the General Assembly (GA) took place in the two companies we are already familiar with – Second Sight and days before the main conference.

Retina Implant AG. Prof Zrenner (of Retina Implant AG) gave an overview of artificial vision and noted that there are about 30 groups around the world doing work on this subject.

• Rob Koenekoop of Canada reported on the oral pharmaceutical treatment clinical trial using a retinoid

Highlights of the CEP included a presentation by Steve Rose, Chief Research Officer of Foundation Fighting Blindness USA, providing an overview of all clinical trials. In addition to listing current and planned trials he alluded to the importance of obtaining sufficient funding, to emerge from the ‘valley of death’ which is the period from www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk

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NEWS promising laboratory research to treatments actually becoming available to patients. Many promising treatments, for medical research in general, fall by the wayside during this period.

the newly formed RP Committee represents 400,000 patients with RP and 200,000 with AMD. • RI now has 26 full members, eight candidate members and more than a dozen interested groups.

Also at the CEP we heard both positive and negative feedback from patients involved in clinical • Christina Fasser has served 20 trials of retinal chips. The great years as RI President and this majority of participants have not was marked by a well-deserved experienced adverse effects but presentation. Fortunately she one speaker described a retinal has agreed to serve another two detachment and other complications. year term and was unanimously re-elected unopposed. A six The GA is the place where the member Management President and Management Committee was elected. I did not Committee (MC) present the stand for re-election to the MC. accounts, budget and various reports, followed by decisions • A unanimous decision was taken being taken on such matters as to proceed with the plans to set new members, fees, management up an RI secretariat based in committee elections and the Dublin subject to sufficient funds strategic direction of the being raised in an exercise to organisation. Key points arising begin later this month. from the GA include: The next conference will be in Paris • Three new full member in 2014, followed by the exciting organisations were elected – prospect of the 2016 conference Taiwan, Belgium and Iceland. Two taking place in Taiwan. new candidate members – Chile and Argentina – were present at In addition to this article we have a GA for the first time. Also created an area on the RPFB represented for the first time was website where we have placed mainland China and it was articles, the conference fascinating to learn from Prof Jia programme, abstracts and selected Yang, who has RP herself, that talks. Please do take a look.”

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NEWS RPFB members’ comments:

appreciation for each other’s work whether outside or within their own “This was my fourth RI Conference field of expertise. and to my mind the best yet! The venue was superb, the staff friendly I sensed a tremendous and helpful and the 40 or so yellow determination to succeed. So many new avenues of research are being T-shirted volunteers made the announced and the competition is daunting task of negotiating from hotting up so rapidly that, surely, in session to session simple and a few short years we may be able to stress-free. change from ‘Fighting Blindness’ to Opening to the strains of ‘What A ‘Retinal Blindness Conquered’.”

Wonderful World’ played on Sid Pritchard trumpet and piano we were welcomed and inspired by Christina Fasser and for two days I lost myself “My mind is still buzzing with all the news I heard at the RI Conference. I in an atmosphere of excitement joined RPFB in 1975 and have been and renewed hope for the future. actively involved with the charity For those of you who have never ever since. For the following 20 attended a RI conference it is a years there wasn't any news on unique opportunity to meet treatments for RP, but over the past patients, researchers, eye 15 years all the news has been very consultants and support service exciting and encouraging. All the providers from all over the world. sessions were very inspiring and it Hope to see you all in Paris 2014.” almost felt like there was a race to Stephen Goulden find the most effective treatments for the many different types of RP. “As a first-time attendee I was quite overwhelmed with the The Grand Elysee Hotel was a enormity of the occasion. All marvellous venue and I was very speakers were very clear and impressed with the tactile pathway concise in their presentations and which was easy to follow to the the translation facilities were main areas on the ground floor. I extremely good. What gripped me enjoyed meeting Danielle from more than anything was the Bonne and 'KP' from RP Hong Kong, wonderful cooperation between the who insists I visit Taiwan for the RP scientists, doctors and business Conference in 2016!”

Carole Holmes MBE specialists who showed such www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk

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Olympic Torchbearers Shine A Light!

The Olympic torch travelled over 8,000 miles – a whopping 16,896,000 steps – in 70 days, carried proudly by deserving people. Several torchbearers were supporters and members of RPFB and their achievements are as remarkable as those of the athletes who took home GB's haul of medals...

15-year-old Jack Hodgson has Usher syndrome, but despite the challenges that dual sensory loss brings, he is an accomplished Judo player and one day aspires to compete in the Paralympics! Jack carried the flame through Winthorpe.

Ken Reid carried the torch through Musselburgh. As Mary Leigh was his nomination nominated to carry says, "If there were the torch by her more people in the husband in world with Ken's compassion, drive, recognition of the courage, joie de vivre and work, passion and generosity of spirit, the world would energy she has put into leading a be a better place". Ken is pictured full and rewarding life. Mary is a with RNLI mascot Stormy Stan. speaker, a fundraiser, a volunteer on the RPFB helpline and an advisor for the Citizens Advice RPFB Trustee Colin Bureau! She also finds time to ride McArthur carried horses, doing dressage to a high the flame through competitive standard. Mary is a real Carisbrooke, and spokesperson for the ideal that on the way he met sport should be accessible to yachtswoman everybody.

Dame Ellen MacArthur! "I was KEN REID photo courtesy of RNLI extremely proud to have so many NORTH BERWICK / MATTHEW nominations", said Colin. "It was a GIBBONS, JACK HODGSON photo day I will remember for the rest of courtesy of SENSE. my life".

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FUNDRAISING

Jeans for Genes

Support Jeans for Genes Day and RP Fighting Blindness!

You can help raise awareness of genetic disorders and support RP Fighting Blindness by encouraging your school, local businesses or workplace to take part in Jeans for Genes Day. Taking place on Friday October 5, the concept of Jeans for Genes Day is simple: wear your jeans and make a donation!

are other ways you can raise funds on Jeans for Genes Day – from cake sales to office swear boxes, quizzes and raffles, the more imaginative and fun the better!

So, ask your colleagues at work, your friends or your children at school if they’d put their denims on for the day, and help raise money for a great cause!

RP Fighting Blindness will receive 50% of all funds raised by schools www.jeansforgenesday.org/register or businesses who sign up via the Jeans for Genes website, but only if RP Fighting Blindness is selected in the ‘How did you hear about us’ section on the registration form.

The other 50% of funding goes to Genetic Disorders UK, who aim to change the world for children with genetic disorders. We’re sure you’ll agree, both are amazing causes!

As well as wearing your jeans, there www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk

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BRANCHES Hampshire Steve Harris This year’s Stride For Sight will be held on Saturday 22nd September.

We will meet for lunch at the Osborne View pub in Hill Head from 12 noon, before setting off to stride (or stroll) the 5 miles to Lee-on-the-Solent and back. This is a very enjoyable walk with spectacular views across to the Isle of Wight and there is usually lots of activity on the water to watch. We are sure that the weather will be kind to us, so do come along – especially if you haven't been before.

PS: Our warmest congratulations go to Chris Goodwin who, with his guide, ran the Olympic Torch relay through Old Southampton.

Oxfordshire Local Group Peter Jackson

We will be holding our final street collection of the year in Romsey on Saturday 29th September, and we would like to complete our season in style. So, if you have an hour or so to spare on the day, then please let us know, via telephone or email, and we will make you feel very welcome and provide you with a collecting can! Many thanks to everyone who has helped us with collections this year.

Savita is undertaking the 15-mile Carrots NightWalk on 21st September. Last year over 200 participants, many dressed as carrots, walked to raise funds for research into sight loss. Savita would very much appreciate sponsorship, you can give her cash or a cheque (payable to RPFB), or sponsor her online through the JustGiving website. Good luck Savita, and if you do go dressed as a carrot then make sure you have your photograph taken!

If you would like to know more about anything mentioned above, then please phone 023 8047 6894, or email hampshirebranch@rpfightingblind ness.org.uk.

Colin Cure sent an invitation for a member of our Group to attend a Low Vision Services Committee meeting at the JR Eye Unit on 1st October and Malcolm Gerrard has kindly agreed to attend on our behalf. Those present

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BRANCHES with physical and sensory nerve difficulties to do what anyone without such difficulties would do in The next group meeting will take the community’. Gwynneth will be place on Saturday 20th October at talking about the Unlimited the Royal British Legion Club, 25 Transport Group. Our thanks to Chris Spring Road, Abingdon. Our speaker Turner for making the arrangements. will be Gwynneth Pedler, Deputy We have to make a small charge for Chair of Oxfordshire Unlimited, who the use of the room at the RBL Club and for lunch there. are ‘focussed on enabling people will include social services, Oxford Eye Hospital and ourselves.

From sunny shores…

Articles For The Blind

Over the past couple of years a bar and grill called Mojito in Pernera, Cyprus has been fundraising on a regular basis for RP Fighting Blindness. Their events have included quiz nights, dinners and sponsored shaves, and these events have raised in excess of 5,500 euros!

The charity nights have been arranged by Chris McArthur and coincide with when the rest of the McArthur family visit Cyprus. The enthusiastic team are busy preparing for their next fundraising evening.

Thanks guys!

As we’re sure many of you know, Royal Mail have for a number of years operated the Articles for the Blind scheme, which allows blind and partially sighted people to send/receive certain items of post free of charge. As an organisation working with blind and partially sighted people, we’re allowed to send our large print material for free, as long as it is addressed to people who meet the criteria. If you are blind or partially sighted and the envelope this newsletter came in was not stamped as Articles for the Blind, do let us know so we can amend our database and ensure more of our funds are spent on research and support, and less on postage costs. Thank you! www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk

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EVENTS

Join RP Fighting Blindness at the Four Capitals Dinner Holiday Inn London – Belfast – Cardiff – Edinburgh Thursday 1st November 2012 7pm – 11:30pm On November 1st we will be hosting a fun evening of fine dining with an autumnal theme. Starting with a champagne reception, tables of ten will enjoy a delicious evening meal accompanied by wine (and soft drinks) in a beautiful setting.

Dress to impress!

London £65 per head.

Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh £50 per head.

To book your dining experience, please contact Michelle Carter on 01280 821334 or email michelle@rpfightingblindness.org.uk, or visit the website and choose your city!

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