People we help

Shared stories

Ann, left, wearing a red cardigan over a pink shirt, holds onto her mum Ruth, wearing a multicoloured shirt under a red cardi.

"I was determined to get help for my mum"

Posted: Wednesday 28 May 2025

When Ruth was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) last year, it was her daughter Ann who saw it as her mission to find her mum much needed support.

2025 London Marathon runner Armaan stands on a bridge spanning the River Thames, smiling as he holds his runner's medal. The London skyline, including Big Ben, can be seen in the background.

"Something I never thought I’d achieve"

Posted: Wednesday 28 May 2025

Armaan, who was diagnosed with macular dystrophy when he was 11 years old, took on his first ever marathon in April, to prove to himself that he could achieve something he never thought he would with sight loss.

Duncan sitting in his living room. He has short white hair, glasses and is wearing a checked shirt while holding his dog - a smiling white terrier.

“I will not be identified by my macular disease”

Posted: Friday 25 April 2025

From experiencing “sheer hell” in the aftermath of his diagnosis to getting his life back on track, Duncan knows all too well how important a positive mindset has been for adapting to a life with macular disease.

Shenay, left, and Cath smiling as they pose for a quick mountain summit photo. Cath is wearing a grey hat, glasses and navy blue jacket with black backpack. Cath is wearing a mustard yellow hat, dark purple coat with scarf and black rucksack.

Friends take on epic mountain challenge to beat macular disease

Posted: Tuesday 1 April 2025

From Yorkshire to Tanzania, two friends who spend their working lives treating people with macular disease are taking on a series of epic mountain climbs in 2025, raising funds to find a cure.

Trevor has short light brown hair and glasses, smiling down the camera outside on a foggy day. He is wearing his rugby club's dark coloured jacket with orange stripes coming down from each shoulder. The jacket includes the Guisborough Rugby Club crest and his initials. The top half of a rugby ball can also be seen which Trevor is holding.

“I used to cry in the shower – there was so much anger”

Posted: Thursday 13 March 2025

Counselling has been a “lifechanging” experience for Trevor, who hit his lowest point when macular disease began to impact both of his eyes.

Kate who has PIC, smiling as she stands looking at the camera. She is outside, in front of a bare hedge. Kate has dark shoulder-length hair, and is wearing a pink jumper and hooded jacket.

“I'm still really scared of losing what sight I have left”

Posted: Friday 28 February 2025

Kate’s first experience of her rare macular condition happened 16 years ago, when she suffered a bleed in her right eye. It left her with peripheral vision only, though a timely injection halted any further sight loss.

Picture shows young 10 year old Archie sitting on a wall at the coast with sunset in the background

“The Christmas appeal inspired me to carry on fundraising”

Posted: Wednesday 26 February 2025

After playing a key role in the Macular Society’s Christmas appeal in 2024, ten-year-old Archie is stepping up his fundraising efforts as he plans a new challenge to raise vital funds for research.

Claire wearing a pink top and blue jeans sits in her living room, using her laptop

“I wanted to know what I could do to try and help myself”

Posted: Monday 3 February 2025

Claire found herself “alone and lost” as she tried to come to terms with her Stargardt diagnosis, not knowing anybody else with the rare form of sight loss.