Members and volunteers of the Aylesbury Macular Society support group are set to enjoy hearing about the wartime experiences of a former WW2 RAF pilot at their next group call Tomorrow (24 February) at 11:00 am.
The Macular Society telephone support groups, which run across the UK, offer practical and emotional support for people with macular disease but also welcome anyone with sight loss problems. Aylesbury group hold their telephone meetings the last Wednesday of every month.
Their special guest this month is Harry Garthwaite, who celebrated his 100th birthday last year, clocked up almost 2,500 hours, flew 23 different aircraft and remains an air craft enthusiast and a keen member of his local RAF Association. Harry is affected by dry age related macular degeneration, a sight loss condition that affects his central vision.
Harry says "The Macular Society got in contact with me to ask if I would be interested in speaking to their members and volunteers at some of their other telephone support group meetings across the country. I was surprised but also absolutely delighted because it means that by helping in this way I can reciprocate the community support spirit that I have experienced in my life.”
Amanda Read, senior regional manager for the charity, said: “The telephone groups offer help in understanding macular disease and coming to terms with sight loss; exactly the way that our face-to-face support groups do. They also help us to ensure thateveryone is kept up to date with all the current news and information. But most importantly, they allow people with macular disease to continue to take part in social activities, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation during these difficult times.”
If you would like to join the call, or for more information about additional support services available locally, please contact Amanda on 01453 755 803, or email amanda.read@macularsociety.org
For information on other services currently available from the Macular Society, please call the charity’s Advice and Information Service on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org
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