People we help

Shared stories

Regan smiling while holding on to her cup of tea

“If you’re informed then you’re not frightened - that’s half the battle”

Posted: Monday 11 May 2026

Former ophthalmic nurse Regan was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) three years ago, having spent her career helping people with visual impairments.

Runner Lucy smiling as she holds up her London Marathon medal

“I've run one of the greatest marathons in the world and for such an incredible cause”

Posted: Tuesday 5 May 2026

Overwhelming emotions met the 2026 London Marathon runners, who raised awareness of macular disease as well as tens of thousands of pounds for research and support.

Lucy crouches down dressed in her yellow Macular Society fundraising t-shirt.

“I’m not just running for myself, but for the Macular Society and others with macular disease”

Posted: Tuesday 31 March 2026

When Lucy was diagnosed with macular oedema four years ago she feared she wouldn’t be able to enjoy life in the way she could before.

Peter walking around Tarn Hows with his guide dog, Vance.

"When you know you can help people, it gives you a buzz"

Posted: Saturday 28 February 2026

Peter has lived with a rare sight loss condition most of his life, but until a few years ago had never met another person living with it. In November 2022 a chance encounter changed all that, leading him on a journey to help others with Stargardt disease.

Paul in his red Wales jersey, holding his padel racket

“I want to enjoy this sport for as long as I can”

Posted: Friday 30 January 2026

Paul never imagined padel would become his favourite sport. But now the Welshman represents his country in tournaments for the over 60s, even as his vision has declined.

Grinning brothers Bryn and Ioan stand either side of their grandma, Sallie

Grandsons cycle 44km for grandma, raising £1,000 to Beat Macular Disease

Posted: Friday 19 December 2025

A grandmother has spoken of her pride after her grandsons, aged just 10 and 12 cycled more than 40km to raise more than £1,000 for macular research on her behalf.

Jenny wearing her yellow Macular Society fundraising t-shirt stands next to the Macular Society-inspired Christmas tree, as part of her local church's Christmas Tree festival. The tree is a small, thin branched tree decorated with festive ornaments including a Santa, Rudoplh and a yellow star as well as items from the Macular Society online store, including the visual impairment badge and lined paper.

Macular disease Christmas tree rounds off church’s 2025 fundraising

Posted: Friday 19 December 2025

A Christmas tree with a difference has rounded off a church community’s year of fundraising - putting macular disease in the spotlight.

Maria with her father, Sidney smiling and hugging

A tribute of kindness in Sidney’s memory

Posted: Monday 24 November 2025

Sidney Hartman’s family honoured his memory after his diagnosis with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Discover how donations in his memory to the Macular Society are raising awareness, inspiring hope, and supporting research into macular disease.