"Thanks to the Macular Society, we will find a cure"

When David was diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) he “wanted to swear at the world.”

Fast forward a couple of years, and after counselling helped to put him at ease with his diagnosis, David has gone on to raise more than £47,000 for macular research.

David was joined by his boss Tord, both of specialist independent investment firm Redwheel for a 60-mile trek along Hadrian’s Wall, between Chollerford and Carlisle.

David 59, said: “It was one of those life moments, where you pinch yourself that you’ve done it. It was quite emotional and amazing to walk some of Hadrian’s Wall, along the Pennine Way. Tord was extremely thoughtful and it was a brilliant experience. It’s such a beautiful part of the country.

A supportive colleague and friend

“If it wasn’t for Tord, I don’t think I would have actually done this and I can’t thank people enough. I am just so grateful for everybody who has supported me and Tord," David said. 

Redwheel CEO Tord added: “I really enjoyed the walk itself, the physical experience was amazing.

“I wanted to do this to support Dave. Even in difficult circumstances he finds things to be excited about, so while I’m imagining what it’s like to have this condition, rather than think about it Dave’s actually just wanting to do something. It’s very admirable and that was the driver for me.”

Acting quickly to save sight

David received his diagnosis in his mid-50s. He recalled: “It was in 2021 I woke up one morning, looked at the door and thought it looked a bit squiffy. I knew something was wrong, so I went to get checked and almost immediately I was started on the injections.

"I didn’t even have time to question it. But that’s also an important message, you can’t wait and mess around; the treatment is needed and while a needle in the eye doesn’t sound pleasant, it’s not that bad and is far better than doing nothing and going blind.

“When I was told what I had I wanted to swear, I wanted to swear at the world, I thought it was extremely unfair. I was worried, and I still worry about some things, but I’ve found people to be very empathetic because they can’t imagine a life not being able to see, and that response from others around me has been amazing.”

Dealing with the emotional impact

It was a friclpend who recommended the Macular Society to David, who knew he needed help emotionally.

David said: “I was really in such a funk but those calls allowed me to get things off my chest, it put me at peace with this and reassured me that I wasn't going to lose my sight immediately.

"The professionalicsm was amazing, knowing someone was there who understood what I was going through, it was 1,000 times better than what I could have got from any other therapist.

“I wanted counselling because while I had the pharmaceutical side of it all worked out, I needed to get on top of the mental and emotional aspect, and I know I can call up if I ever need to.”

A wealth of support

He thanks his boss Tord and colleagues for their sympathy and empathy since his diagnosis.

David said: “Tord has been as helpful to me as he can, and my colleagues have been amazing and so supportive of me. I’m very grateful really.

“Some thoughts about the future do go through my head, but I refuse to let them get on top of me, and I think I have this overwhelming belief that, thanks to the Macular Society, we will find a cure.

“I’m hopeful my sight will continue for as long as possible. I want to make sure other people with wet AMD don’t panic, that they know they can still see years after injections and that through fundraising, we can show others that you can keep doing what you want to do.”