The Eye Fund ψ Optics ≡ A charity to support people losing their vision

The Eye Fund celebrated a wonderful opening of the Eyedesign exhibition in the new Pavilion in Birkenhead Park.

Over 50 people attended the opening – performed by Mike McCartney, Wirral’s Cultural Ambassador… AND NOW The Eye Fund Patron.

Simon’s wonderful designs were the main feature, supported by some amazing impressions of his graphics by several professional artists. The Children of Bidston Avenue Primary school played no small part by entering their own canvases.

Family and friends travelled from varying parts of the UK to attend and add their love and support for Simon and his work.

A cheque to the value of £4,500 was presented to the Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially sighted to fund our very first Eye Fund counsellor, now working in Arrowe Park Hospital.

We have a lot of things coming up in the next couple of months. Here’s a glimpse:

• TRUSTEES MEETING 28TH JANUARY
• GRAND OPENING OF SIMON’S EXHIBITION
• QUIZ NIGHT AT THE RAFA
• TRUSTEES MEETING
• THE OYÉ FESTIVAL
• CHARITY DINNER AT THE CAPITOL
• RACE NIGHT AT THE CAPITOL

Simon’s family wish all of his friends and supporters a very happy Christmas and a good 2009. Raise a glass to him at New Year.

The Eye Fund has had a very good first year: upwards of £26000 has been raised. There is a counsellor already working at a Wirral Eye Clinic, funded by The Eye Fund. Next year 2 more counsellors will be helping people like Simon, in London and Liverpool.

We would like to thank everyone. Please keep helping. Have you thought of a monthly donation of as little as £5? Download the form for more information. Every little helps!

After some furious Ebay bidding, our signed Sigur Rós “Hlemmur” CD/DVD was finally won by Neil Walker, who paid an astounding £360 for it. Well done, Neil!

Many, many thanks go to Sigur Rós for taking the time to sign things for us and for agreeing to meet up with Neil to hand his prize over at their London gig last night. Thanks must also go to John Best, their manager, and Paul Baines for being his usual awesome self. We couldn’t have done this without you, Paul.

We've just added the following item to Ebay: Limited Edition copy of Hlemmur by Sigur Rós.

Please head over to Ebay and bid on this item!

The latest fund raising venture was a Race Night organised by David. The venue was the Marine Football club in Crosby (where David and Ann-Marie had their evening do for their wedding).

After expenses, the amount raised was over £700. Well Done! David, even if he has a few more grey hairs now.

On September 7th 2008, the Eye Fund Sisters (aka: Helen, Anne-Marie, and Li), took part in the annual Liverpool 5k run around Sefton Park. All three finished with a personal best time and at the time of writing they’ve raised £640! Well done, girls.

We had a day at Arrowe Park Hospital on 4th August working with The Wirral Association for the Blind and Partially Sighted in the charity shop. One of the main purposes for being there was to present Gareth Jones with a Max, a digital magnifier that is used through the TV or PC. This allows him to enlarge any reading matter to any size or colour. Something we learnt from Simon while he was still alive was how much easier for him it was to see in certain colours or lights.

One of the things we said at the beginning of the charity was that we wanted to help individuals to improve their life in one way or another. This is the first time we were able to do this and it was great. We’ll certainly be doing it again when the occasion arises.

We had a marathon collection at Central Station, Liverpool on 16th August 2008.

Paul and Carol were there from 10am to 4pm with buckets, joined by Helen, Russell, Marie, Steve Tam (from the Capitol Chinese Restaurant) and Andy Morgan (Steve’s friend). It was a long day but the public were very generous. Andy ceratinly added a special something when he arrived. The grand total was £465.09.

We think Simon would have been proud of our stamina.