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

When David was diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), he refused to believe it. It was his wife who insisted he get his eyes checked immediately, and she’s been a rock to him ever since.

Two years on, 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. In June, he completed a 60-mile trek along Hadrian’s Wall with his boss, Redwheel CEO Tord, by his side.

“It was one of those life moments where you pinch yourself,” David, 59, said. “Walking part of Hadrian’s Wall was emotional and amazing. It's such a beautiful part of the country."

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's diagnosis in 2021 came about suddenly.

He said: “I woke up one morning, looked at the door and thought it looked a bit squiffy. Almost immediately I was started on injections so there was no time to question it.

"A needle in the eye doesn’t sound pleasant, but it’s nothing compared to doing nothing and going blind.”

Counselling and family support

A childhood friend, whose own father had macular degeneration, pointed David toward the Macular Society where he had counselling.

He said: “Those calls let me get things off my chest. It was 1000 times better than any other therapy I could have found and I know I can call again whenever I need to.”

But above all, David credits his wife and daughters for their support in the last few years. “Their love and support has meant absolutely everything. I couldn’t have got through this without them. Every single day, they’ve been there for me," he said.

David is also deeply grateful to Tord, not just for joining him on the walk but for the support he offers more broadly.

He added: “It meant the world having Tord there with me on Hadrian’s Wall. But beyond that, he’s someone who genuinely looks out for colleagues facing health challenges, making sure no one feels they have to deal with something like this on their own. That kind of leadership makes a real difference.”

Hopes for a future cure

He’s hopeful for the future too, as he looks forward to a cure one day.

David said: “I refuse to let worry get on top of me. Thanks to the Macular Society, I believe we’ll find a cure and through fundraising, we can show others with wet AMD that you can keep doing what you want to do.”