A wave of walkers from a specialist Midlands eye centre have registered to ramble throughout the night to raise money to equip the centre’s vital clinical research facility.
Staff from the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre (BMEC), based at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust’s City Hospital, are taking part in the Birmingham Carrots NightWalk on Friday 20 September.
The clinical research facility at BMEC is already used by highly trained staff to carry out research into treatments for a wide range of eye illnesses. These range from issues such as cataracts and glaucoma to rare conditions, including Behçet’s syndrome and birdshot uveitis.
The money raised will support the staff at the centre to carry out more research that could save the sight of thousands of people based in the West Midlands and beyond.
Organised by leading eyesight charity, Fight for Sight, NightWalks are also being held in London, Cardiff and Glasgow.
Team BMEC will get to see the second city in a different light on the night stroll, taking in some of Birmingham’s most famous landmarks. The route passes Edgbaston Cricket Ground, the University of Birmingham and the Jewellery Quarter, giving a comforting sense of familiarity to any locals afraid of the dark! Participants can choose either the six mile walk or the longer 15 miles, lasting until the early hours.
BMEC-based research nurse Sue Southworth said: “The ultimate aim of the work we do is to improve the care, treatment and experience of those with eye conditions. We’re taking part in this event to raise money for equipment that will allow us to do more research and treat more patients.
“We are lucky to have many generous patients who agree to give up their time to participate in research so also want to allocate some funds to provide them with a comfortable environment to show them how grateful we are.”
People can show your support by sponsoring Team BMEC through their online fundraising page at http://www.justgiving.com/teams/BMECcarrots. For anyone that would like to be part of the night walk, there are volunteering opportunities available.
For more information on volunteering at the event BMEC, contact the Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust Fundraising Team on 0121 507 5196 or email swbh.fundraising@nhs.net.Carrots Web Banner
Leave a Comment