Eye charity’s 10th annual walk raises over £100,000 for sight loss support

MOORFIELDS Eye Charity’s annual fundraising walk Eye to Eye celebrated its 10^th anniversary on Sunday 23 June bringing together over 650 sight loss patients, staff at Moorfields Eye Hospital and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, family, friends and some canine companions. All walking to support Moorfields and the institute, people could take on 15 miles, 5 miles or 1 mile routes depending on their ability.

The sun was shining when walkers were warmed up by Daniel, Energie Fitness instructor from the Old Street branch, before setting off from Moorfields Eye Hospital on Sunday morning. They explored the historic streets travelling past London landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye and the Tower of London. Walkers were cheered on at the finish line by the charity team and volunteers, and awarded with medals.

To celebrate Eye to Eye’s 10th year there was a family-friendly street party throughout the day on Peerless Street next to Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Richard Desmond Children’s Eye Centre which was pedestrianised for the day. Walkers enjoyed live music; food stalls; a kids’ zone with games and crafting; free teas, coffees and biscuits from Starbucks; plus a pop-up charity shop from All Aboard.

Funds raised in support of Moorfields Eye Charity will support patients, staff and researchers at Moorfields and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology. The money raised will be life-changing for those living with sight loss – having a huge impact on the many patients at Moorfields and worldwide.

The charity has already surpassed last year’s total raising over £100,000 with more donations and sponsorships to come in over the next few weeks

Jo Green, head of fundraising and engagement at Moorfields Eye Charity said:

“Eye to Eye is a great day out – thank you to everyone who came together to take part in the walk and join in the fun – you’re all helping to save people’s sight. This was definitely our biggest and best event yet which was fitting to celebrate ten years of Eye to Eye. We look forward to it every year and we hoped for sunshine and it delivered! We’d like to thank the local community for being so accommodating.”

Clare, Moorfields patient and walker on the day said:

“Moorfields Eye Charity is such an important charity that’s so close to my heart. We’ve been doing the Eye to Eye walk since the first year it started and it’s a day that I look forward to every single year.”

My Eye to Eye ran from 22-23 June 2024 for those who wanted to fundraise closer to home. Participants could walk, run or ride from their own doorsteps.

Look out for Eye to Eye 2025 – date to be announced soon.

To find out more about Moorfields Eye Charity’s fundraising, please visit: moorfieldseyecharity.org.uk/support-us.