Fundraising Gallery
![Welcoming the Sheriff of Southampton and former Test Valley Mayors Gift of Sight team with the former Test Valley Mayor and Southampton Sheriff](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/july_posts_19.png?itok=z_O7sVD7)
We were delighted to meet Southampton's Sheriff James Baillie and former Test Valley Mayor and Mayoress, Councillors Alan and Celia Dowden at the Southampton Archery Club fun day on Saturday 20th July. A brilliant day to 'have a go' at archery, take part in the fantastic activities organised by the Club whilst raising funds for Gift of Sight. Thank you to all those involved!
!['Shooting blind' Visually impaired simulator glasses](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/july_posts_16.png?itok=1i8QX36a)
The archers supplied some visually impaired simulator glasses to allow sighted people to experience the visual impact of common eye diseases. And then try to shoot an arrow whilst wearing them! People who tried it found their other senses kicked in and under the expert guidance of Southampton Archery Club coaches, were able to hit the target.
![Thank you to the local companies who donated prizes! Raffle prizes being drawn](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/july_posts_14.png?itok=UvytrFam)
A big thank you to Longdown Activity Farm, Paultons Park, Harbour Lights Picture House, Bay Leaves Larder, Haskins Garden Centre, Toby Carvery and Waitrose Portswood who kindly donated prizes for the raffle.
![Our Wiggly-eyed Warrior has done it again! Mike Larcombe completing Croatian Long Distance Trail](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/july_posts_22.png?itok=ZodWycbN)
Congratulations to Mike Larcombe who took on the impressive feat of hiking 2200km along Croatian's Long Distance Trail - in 54 consecutive days! He made it his mission to raise awareness and funds for Nystagmus - a condition he himself has had since childhood. He raised more than £3000 for both Gift of Sight and Nystagmus Network, thank you to everyone who supported him!
![Nightingale Primary School Ice Bucket Challenge! Teacher being soaked by an ice bucket of water](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/july_posts_20.png?itok=f2fazJFT)
Many thanks to the parents and staff at Nightingale Primary School, Eastleigh for raising funds to help our research. Parents ran a mile with their children and then children sponsored teachers to get soaked by a bucket of ice! Well done to all the team for being such great sports!
![Gin tasting event at 820 Spirits Gin tasting event at 820 Spirits - Andrew Lotery behind bar talking to guests](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/img_8044.jpeg?itok=rCMlTgtV)
Guests enjoyed a lovely gathering at 820 Spirits on 7 June 2024, for gin tasting and canapes, and a talk by Professor Lotery. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success.
![Raffle prizes at Gin tasting event Raffle prizes at Gin tasting event](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/img_8063.jpeg?itok=Lc2vSudD)
Thank you to the local companies who kindly donated raffle prizes for the Gin tasting event: Elliots of Lymington, Gozemetics Beauty Studio, The Imaginarium Book Shop, Karen's Pet Market, BrockIce, Cook Lymington. Pages of Lyndhurst and 820 Spirits.
![Rodney Mansbridge climbs Scafell Pike at 80! Montage of photos of man climbing Scafell Pike](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/june_posts_9.png?itok=yhxc1oUG)
Congratulations to Rodney Mansbridge, who celebrated his 80th birthday last week by climbing Scafell Pike and raising more than £2000 for Gift of Sight and Help for Heroes! What a fantastic achievement and thank you to everyone who supported him. He was overwhelmed with the response and said the day after the climb:
"I climbed Scafell Pike with my family in support. I found it very challenging indeed, I've been in bed for most of the day. Although I can climb the stairs quite easily, coming down I still ache (a lot). I had no reward with beautiful views from the top - very thick cloud and freezing hailstones. Scafell Pike is 3100 feet tall and my target for the charities is £3100. This will be the best reward! Thank you tremendously, Rodney"
![Josephine Bates completes the Great West Run](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/11.png?itok=QD4WVVz1)
Congratulations to Josephine Bates who completed the Great West Run on Sunday 26th May 2024, raising £350 for Gift of Sight. She says "Very happy to have raised this much with everyone's help. New personal best: 2:06:29. Great fun, and double win!".
![Portswood Knitwits Sale Ladies around table with lots of knitted creations displayed](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/may_posts_10.png?itok=J5puso1B)
Thank you to all those who supported Portswood Knitwits by purchasing some of the wonderful knitted creations.
![Portswood Knitwits May 2024 Sarah and Councillor Marie Finn](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/may_posts_9.png?itok=F2giW2Zd)
Thank you to Portswood Knitwits for hosting their annual knitting sale in aid of Gift of Sight. Here PhD student, Sarah Macdonald is pictured with Councillor Marie Finn at Portswood Library.
![Thank you Second Wind Second Wind band members with Prof Lotery](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/second_wind_web_pic.png?itok=e5fbsAtq)
Thank you to Hugh Hadfield (centre) and his clarinet and saxophone quartet, 'Second Wind'. The musicians played a delightful array of toe-tapping tunes to a packed audience at Portswood Residents' Gardens Pavilion in Highfield. Professor Lotery gave a speech about eye research during the interval, after guests had enjoyed some delicious homemade cakes and tea made by volunteers. Thank you for raising more than £1200 towards eye research - and for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon!
![Bach's St John Passion, Winchester College Chapel Musicians playing period musical instruments](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/1_0.png?itok=nLxbPeZN)
A wonderful performance of Bach's St John Passion at Winchester College Chapel to celebrate the 300th anniversary of this masterpiece. This was a truly moving event, with phenomenal singers and musicians. Pictured here is some of Musica Poetica, the period instrument ensemble who provided the music accompaniment for the choir.
![Prof Lotery and daughter Lizzy complete Cambridge Half Smiling runners at the end of a race with medals](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/1.png?itok=7ULkvGSG)
Congratulations to Prof Andrew Lotery and his daughter, Lizzy, who completed the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon in 1 hour 55 mins on 3rd March 2024! This is a fantastic achievement - and a great way to raise money for Gift of Sight. Thank you to everyone who has supported and sponsored 'Team Lotery'. https://www.justgiving.com/page/team-lotery-1705515044350
![Ellie the Elf - thank you to Butterflies Ellie dressed as an Elf holding a hamper box](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/ellie_the_elf_hamper.png?itok=w3Hn0zrA)
On behalf of Ellie the Elf scientist and all the vision research team, thank you to Butterflies Healthcare for such a delicious hamper! Your support, as always, is hugely appreciated.
![Christine Willsher - fundraiser Christine in Gift of Sight t-shirt smiling](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/christine_willsher.jpg?itok=u7BfwNcj)
Congratulations to Christine Willsher who has walked 10 miles non-stop as a fundraising activity for Gift of Sight ahead of her Golden Wedding anniversary. She raised an incredible £1323 from friends and family - what an achievement, thank you so much!
![Mayflower Lodge 8815 Crest showing ship, crown and words Mayflower Lodge No. 8815](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/mayflower_lodge_thank_you.jpg?itok=igomyk0G)
Huge thanks to the brethren at Mayflower Lodge No. 8815 for their incredible £2,000 donation to help eye research. This is an amazing sum and hugely appreciated, thank you Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire & Isle of Wight.
![Thank you to Specsavers Lymington Two people smiling holding cheque under sign that says 'Specsavers'](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/img_4336.jpeg?itok=WJ_Ze4xS)
Lovely to see Neil Constantine-Smith, of Specsavers Lymington, who held a fundraising day to celebrate the branch's 15th Anniversary, raising £510 for Gift of Sight. The team have been wonderful supporters since their branch opened and we are incredibly grateful, thank you!
![Open Sight Fun Day Ellie, Ailsa and Jennie in front of University of Southampton table](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/img_4788.jpeg?itok=fJNuoib1)
It was wonderful to meet so many families at the Open Sight Fun Day in October 2023, where Dr Jay Self also gave a talk. He held a Q&A session and answered a variety of questions on children's eye diseases, particularly nystagmus.
![Rotary 70 Club Cheque presentation Professor Andrew Lotery, Stuart Hill and David Chalmers at presentation stand](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/prof_stuart_hill_and_david_chalmers_rotary_70_club_presentation_-_square.png?itok=TcKty18S)
Thank you to the Southampton Solent Rotary and 70 Club Supporters Club for donating all proceeds from the raffle at their annual quiz event to Gift of Sight. David Chalmers, Club Chairman presented an incredible £1500 to Professor Andrew Lotery. Then the President of Southampton Solent Rotary, Stuart Hill surprised us with a further £500, as Gift of Sight was one of his three chosen charities for his year in office. A fantastic contribution towards eye research at University of Southampton, thank you to all those involved.
![Foresters Friendly Society raise more than £500 for Gift of Sight Jane presenting Ailsa with a large cheque](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/foresters_friendly_cheque_sep_2023.png?itok=RKOic6hh)
Thank you to the Foresters Friendly Society - Court 2201, who generously raised money for Gift of Sight. Jane White, Chief Ranger, Court 2201 presented Ailsa Walter with a cheque for £500 at a lovely Afternoon Tea event held at Furzey Gardens in September 2023. We are hugely grateful to all the supporters who contributed to this donation.
![Walk the Test Way team 2023 Four ladies - Jennie, Helena, Naomi and Beccy wearing Gift of Sight t-shirts and showing their medals at the finish line](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/c3ce82bf-c2e9-43aa-a55b-e2f2f6c147fe.jpg?itok=Gh0pzLYH)
Congratulations to Gift of Sight's Jennie Mugridge, vision scientist Helena Lee and University of Southampton team mates Naomi Irving and Beccy Cowdrey who completed the challenge of walking 25.5 miles along the Test Way in September 2023. The team walked an incredible 60,000 steps each in one day, raising more than £1300 for eye research. Thank you to everyone who generously supported them, it was a fabulous team effort!
![Fun at the Testvale Squares Hoedown People dancing at a barn dance / hoedown holding hands](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/5.png?itok=irA7Lc4F)
Plenty of fun was had by all at the Testvale Squares Hoedown for Gift of Sight on 15th July, kindly organised by Carol Gerrey to support AMD and Retinal research. Despite the inclement weather, the event was a great success and raised more than £1300 for Gift of Sight. Thank you.
![Thank you to our raffle prize donors Table of raffle prizes](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/img_2351.jpeg?itok=N9kYN21g)
We are very grateful to the local companies who supported the raffle at the Hoedown on 15th July:
Paultons Park, Setley Ridge Farm Shop, New Forest Aromatics, Pig Beer, Furzey Gardens, Paws in the Forest, The Swan, Lyndhurst and Waitrose, Portswood.
![Adams Morey - thank you Adams Morey child in deckchair](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/adams_morey_child_in_deckchair.png?itok=Efs3pWLH)
Adams Morey are a large supplier of DAF trucks and parts across the south coast. They held a customer and staff day at Thruxton race circuit near Andover to support their round of the BTRA truck racing championship on the weekend of 8th/9th July. We're delighted to report that they raised a fantastic £250 for Gift of Sight children's eye research by asking for donations towards hats and cups on the day. A truck load of thanks to you!
![Ken and Marjorie's Platinum Wedding Celebrations](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/kenandmarjorie_with_christine_willsher_platinum_wedding.jpeg?itok=AcYwMFKv)
Congratulations to Ken and Marjorie for celebrating an incredible 70 years of marriage! They celebrated with a party and kindly asked for donations to be made to Gift of Sight in lieu of gifts, which raised more than £500, thank you. Thank you also to Christine, pictured alongside them for helping with the arrangements.
![Little Court Garden Party Little Court Garden Party](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/img_1728.jpeg?itok=ubbVJmge)
What a beautiful evening we had for the Little Court Garden Party on 15th June, rasing over £2,000 to help our research team. Thank you to Mrs Patricia Elkington who hosted the event and for all the wonderful volunteers and supporters who attended and made the event such a success.
![Raffle Prizes Raffle prizes on a table](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/img_1715.jpeg?itok=Kl_xbwCz)
A huge thank you to the local companies who kindly donated raffle prizes for the Little Court Garden Party:
Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Hattingley Valley, Chococo, Hiller Garden Centres, Winchester and Waitrose, Winchester.
![Ailsa accepting cheque from David Simpson Ailsa holding cheque next to David Simpson](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/ds_aw_presentation_of_cheque.jpg?itok=cV8QF_0s)
A team of four including David Simpson, Martin Gorman, Simon Martel and James Beaver rode from St Malo to Cahors covering 500 miles in the 2022 CAC Cahors Challenge. The route took the riders through Angers and Limoges and were pleased to present a cheque to Gift of Sight for £2,500. Thank you so much for your support!
![Team Lotery do it again! Professor Lotery, daughter Lizzie and son Chris standing in front of Southampton Guildhall wearing marathon medals](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/abp_half_marathon.1pg.jpg?itok=DvOPp6PK)
Congratulations to Professor Lotery and his children, Lizzie and Chris, who successfully completed the ABP Southampton Half marathon 2023 for another year, finishing this time in 1 hour 58 minutes. The weather was kind to them this year and the atmosphere in Southampton was buzzing. Well done Team Lotery!
![Walk for Wiggly Eyes Australian Adventure Walk for Wiggly Eyes Mikey standing in front of his bicycle](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/walk_for_wiggly_eyes_kilkivan.jpg?itok=z9Kqd33t)
Our intrepid explorer, Mikey Sheen, was back in December 2022, taking on his next challenge for Gift of Sight and Nystagmus Network. This time riding a bicycle along the longest two rail trails in Australia over New Year. 310km in just TWO DAYS! Congratulations Mikey on another epic achievement, and thank you for your incredible support in raising funds and awareness of the 'wiggly eyes' condition.
![EYEland Fete 31 July 2022 Photo of opening EYEland Fete 31 July 2022 Jay Self opening speech](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/eyeland_fete_2_31.07.22.jpg?itok=st-ykfku)
Grateful thanks to Christopher and Sarah Saunders-Davies for their generosity in allowing us to use their garden for a fete on Sunday 31 July 2022. The event was opened by Lady Mary Fagan, a Patron of our Appeal, who was introduced by Jay Self one of our paediatric ophthalmologists. A guest appearance by 'Granny Bean' amused the children present and our thanks to everyone who attended the fete and supported us. Thanks also to everyone who helped out on the day - great teamwork! We raised £1600 for children's eye research which will be a massive support to Jay's team.
![Bournemouth Probus Ladies Club supporting children's eye research Cheque presentation Bournemouth Probus Ladies Club](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/ailsa-chq-bmth_probus_ladies.jpg?itok=Epi1bVKz)
Grateful thanks to the members of Bournemouth Probus Ladies Club for donating £500 to support children's eye research. It was lovely to meet some of the members at Dudsbury Golf Club and to chat with the President, Maureen Peters, whose grandson lives in Australia and has fundraised energetically to help research into nystagmus.
![Team Lotery after running the Southampton ABP Half Marathon April 2022 Team Lotery Southampton ABP Half Marathon April 2022](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/prof_lizzy_reduced.jpg?itok=IqCrjRci)
Congratulations to Professor Andrew Lotery and daughter Lizzy on completing the Southampton ABP Half Marathon on the 24 April 2022. Finished in a time of 122 minutes, Lizzy made sure she popped across the line in front of her Dad. Thanks to you both for raising £651 to support our vision science research.
![Josephine Bates running for us at The Great Birmingham Run Josephine Bates participating in The Great Birmingham Run](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/jo_bates_bham_run.official.reduced.jpeg?itok=CkmMZl4X)
Grateful thanks to Josephine for signing up to and completing her half marathon at The Great Birmingham Run on the 1 May 2022, raising £105 for Gift of Sight. As a medical student Josephine understands the importance of research and we wish her luck in her future career.
![Mike Larcombe cycles Tasmania Mike Larcombe Tasmania](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/mike_larcombe_queenstown_tasmanai_n.jpg?itok=xv-bXL1W)
Intrepid Mike Larcombe has completed his 17 day adventure to raise funds for nystagmus research at the University of Southampton. Congratulations on cycling 1,212kms/750 miles around Tasmania. Despite long days, rough terrain and a broken pedal, Mike carried on and has raised nearly £1,000 whilst also raising awareness of the condition. A truly tremendous feat. THANK YOU.
![Bette Whittle 90 mile challenge Bette Whittle 90 mile challenge](https://www.giftofsight.org.uk/sites/giftofsight.org.uk/files/styles/medium/public/images/gallery/25/bette_whittle_barrowby_po.png?itok=DA2Ejx7i)
Our warmest congratulations and thanks to Mrs Bette Whittle who completed her challenge of walking 90 miles before her 90th birthday in November. She raised the amazing sum of £1,550 to support our research into age-related macular degeneration. Thanks to all her family, friends and supporters for their donations. Also a huge shout-out for Jennifer in Barrowby Post Office and to the local butcher shop for their amazing support for Betty.