"This is a way I can give something back"

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was not only a tick off the bucket list for Kevin, it was in his own words “easily the toughest and most emotionally gruelling thing I’ve ever done.”

He spent eight days as part of a group trekking Africa’s highest mountain, inspired by sight loss research and wanting to play his own part by giving back.

“It was a fantastic experience from start to finish,” said Kevin, who has been treated for myopic macular degeneration (MMD) in recent years. “It was a physical challenge, mentally and emotionally gruelling but everyone in our group was incredibly supportive. It was a group of great humour and we all looked out for one another.

“It was quite a feeling when we reached Mount Kilimanjaro's summit. It made me think of all those months of preparation, all the challenges I had faced when my eye issues had forced me to postpone the trip. So, it was emotional, there were lots of hugs and tears, but it was great to reach the top with the group.”

Impact of research

Kevin has not only been treated for MMD, which injections have thankfully kept stable, but he has required timely surgery for a detached retina too, which could have also meant losing his sight. With the injections working for him, Kevin has seen first hand the importance of macular research.

The 65-year-old said: “If it wasn’t for research, if we didn’t have injections today then I would have lost my sight to MMD. When it came to my detached retina, I was so close to losing more of my sight, and that’s such a mental challenge, to lose your key function.

“So, this is a way I can give something back to the Macular Society, which is very important to me and others who have got far more significant sight loss than I have.”

People's faith a driving force of inspiration

Donations to Kevin’s trip have poured in not only from family and friends but complete strangers too, as he neared £2,500 at the time of writing.

“I can’t tell you how delighted I am to have raised £2,500,” he said. “I still have donations to come including from my choir. It’s been great and humbling that people put their faith in me, and that was one of the voices in my head, which inspired me because I did not want to let them down.”

Eye health matters

Kevin now has an annual check-up including an OCT scan to monitor the back of his eye.

Kevin said: “It shows how important these eye tests are. I remember the day I went, the optician didn’t say I had macular degeneration but with the scanner they picked out the bumps on the imaging which told her I needed further assessment.

“Without an OCT scan, it might have been a longer period before I knew there was a problem, and the condition might have deteriorated. I am seen annually now and that’s great, it’s the peace of mind it offers and it’s well worth it.”

How to donate

Donations can be made directly to Kevin’s JustGiving page, or if you’ve been inspired to do your own fundraising, find out more below.