We were recently given a donation of £500 by Speak the Web. They ran a series of small, intimate, low cost web design & development events in the style of a gig, providing inspiring talks by both experienced and new speakers for a low cost which were easy to access. This donation means a lot to The Eye Fund, as Simon would be thrilled to know a bunch of geeks had raised some money in his honour.

We contacted some of the guys involved to ask why they chose The Eye Fund: Jake Smith…

When I was asked to talk at the Liverpool session of Speak The Web, little did I realise how much the event would come to mean to me.

Part of the remit for the organisers — Dan and Rich — was to cover costs for the event, then put anything made above this towards charities. There’s a charity that I feel is important, as it was set up by my friend Phil Sherry and his family, after his brother Simon was losing his sight due to Retinal Cone Dystrophy. I knew Simon, and spent many a good evening discussing music, art or mathematics with him, over a cold beer of course.

As a designer and developer, I realise how important our sight is. My job of front end development relies so heavily on being able to see precisely in colour and have an eye for detail, something which we take for granted. When Dan and Rich asked for charity suggestions, so many things added up and it wasn’t difficult to make my opinion known. I’m from Liverpool, I was speaking at a conference in Liverpool, Phil and his family are Scouse, Phil and I are both front end devs…

I suggested the the charity to Dan and Rich, and weeks later, was over–whelmed to hear that the Eye Fund had been chosen as one of the three charities that would receive a donation.

To take part in the event was amazing, but to see how well it was received and how organising something as polarised as a web conference can benefit local charities is pretty humbling. A big thanks to all involved.

Jake Smith, Interactive Director @ JP74

…& Dan Donald.

The events we put on were primarily about putting on a decent, different format or web conference, which is something that normally by passes the North. We wanted to show that we can make things like this happen for ourselves. The more we thought about what we wanted these to be, the more we realised that while they should be a great nights for all involved, perhaps we could try and get as much out of the experience as we could. With Rich working full–time in an agency and me being freelance, we weren’t doing this as a commercial concern, so decided these 4 nights would be an experiment and therefore, not–for–profit. With that in mind, if we actually covered costs, why not give something to local charities?

We asked speakers, attendees and friends for suggestions for charities we should donate to and had some great suggestions but it always means more if there’s a personal connection. We’ve got to know Jake (Smith, one of our speakers) pretty well and the fact that he had a connection with the Eye Fund made it a great choice. Hopefully the money we’ve raised will help make a difference!

Dan Donald, Here in the Hive & Speak the Web organiser

Once again, guys: thank you, so much.

After our January break, we are now back with enthusiasm and working hard to make 2010 the best year yet for The Eye Fund. We are excited about the schedule of events that we have been busy putting together, and can’t wait to share it with you.

As a taster of things to come, we can confirm that we are about to launch a range of ladies scarves for sale in our Eye Fund Shop. The scarves are all based on Simon’s artwork, and the colours are just gorgeous. We have had some samples here and everyone who has seen them has been amazed at both the designs and the quality of the material. The new range will be available soon from our online shop, and just in time for mother’s day too (March 14th 2010)!

But if scarves aren’t your cup of tea, remember we have lots of other products on sale which we’re sure you’ll love. Rest assured EVERY PENNY we make from the sale of our shop products goes towards The Eye Fund.

One of the most exciting events we have coming up is a new exhibition. After the overwhelming success of our last exhibition at the Pavilion in Birkenhead Park, we are thrilled to be able to bring you a new, bigger and better exhibition, and we wish we could share more details with you as we know you’ll be just as excited!

Unfortunately for now, as with the rest of our fundraising plans for the coming months, our lips are sealed. But watch this space and more will be revealed soon…

So, as you can see, we have had a very busy and successful year. However, we would like a little more help. Is there anyone out there who would like to lend a hand now and again? Perhaps you could organise a quiz night or jumble sale or coffee morning. Anything would be welcome.

Thank you.

Rock In The Park stall

The day stayed dry for the most part and the charity benefitted to the tune of £150.

Rock In The Park: Trevor Gleason

Rock In The Park: Insanity Beach

Paul & Carol

Paul’s niece, Jane, belongs to the West Haddon Players. The group who put on several performances each year donate the proceeds to a designated charity. This year’s charity was The Eye Fund.

Carol and Paul were presented with a cheque for £1500 at the player’s annual barbeque. What amazing generosity!

Haddon Players presenting their cheque

Another 40 hours of counselling!

Thanks from all of us.

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.

If you missed it you can contribute by donating to The Eye Fund (download a copy of the mandate form).

The aim of The Eye Fund trustees and Simon’s family is to have Eye Fund counsellors helping people like Simon in several hospitals.

Please help us to realise this.

The Eye Fund is having an art exhibition of some of Simon’s graphics. Professional artists will be contributing some of their own impressions of Simon’s designs. Local schoolchildren have been working hard making their own copies of the same pictures.

Art by Simon Sherry

This is to be held from 12th March to 21st March in The Pavilion, Birkenhead Park, Wirral. The grand opening by Mike McCartney, Wirral’s Cultural Ambassador takes place on the 11th March by invitation only.

We will also be presenting a cheque of £4500 to the Wirral Society for the Blind and Partially sighted to help pay for a counsellor to advise people faced with losing their sight.

View Larger Map

The Eye Fund has had a very good first year: upwards of £26,000 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!