People we help

Shared stories

Running in remembrance: raising funds for macular disease

Posted: Monday 24 November 2025

Every year, Susan runs the Great North Run in memory of her father, Neale, who was diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Through her fundraising for the Macular Society, she has raised thousands to support vital research, awareness, and services for people affected by macular disease, keeping her father’s memory alive while helping others.

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.

Janet smiling as she sits in her armchair at home

“I couldn’t understand why other people weren’t seeing what I was seeing”

Posted: Sunday 16 November 2025

Being the only person to see kittens climbing out of her TV, trees growing inside her house and people sat in her bedroom was an alarming experience for Janet after she was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration.

John smiling as he walks along the cliffs, with view across the sea behind him.

“I get both joy and comfort from painting as someone with a visual impairment”

Posted: Thursday 4 September 2025

Having been forced into early retirement, John has always been determined not to be beaten by macular disease. His career as a civil engineer may have been over sooner than planned, but he has since rediscovered his passion for painting.

Izzy stands next to her dad Trevor, his arm around her, having completed a previous running challenge.

“We’re fundraising because we want more people to know about macular disease”

Posted: Wednesday 3 September 2025

A father and daughter will be running the Great North Run together to raise awareness of macular disease and funds to find a cure.

Macular Society volunteer Chris Norris, sat down wearing glasses and a shirt underneath a dark blue jumper.

“If I can help somebody with macular disease, then that’s my legacy”

Posted: Monday 4 August 2025

Chris has three simple hopes for the future: to continue be able to read for as long as possible, to keep running while his sight still allows him and to welcome new treatments or even a future cure for macular disease.

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.