Chesterfield sight loss support group marks 20 years

The Chesterfield Macular Society Support Group, which launched in 2000, marked its milestone anniversary with a party held at the Central Methodist Church in Saltergate.

Group members were able to enjoy refreshments and a slice of 20th birthday cake made specially for the occasion. One very special guest was Marjorie Thompson, former co-leader of the group when it launched at the turn of the century, who helped members cut the birthday cake and talked about the group’s history.

Paul Holden, regional manager for leading sight loss charity the Macular Society, also gave an update on the latest research into macular disease and current treatments for the condition.

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK. Nearly 1.5 million people are currently affected and many more are at risk. The disease can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces. Many people affected describe losing their sight as being similar to bereavement. There is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form of macular disease, affecting more than 600,000 people, usually over the age of 50.

Current group leader Barbara Turner has been volunteering with the group since 2002, taking over as leader around 16 years ago.

Barbara, 87, said: “The group started off with six members and gradually got larger. I got involved after I met Marjorie Thompson while volunteering for my local church. She told me that they desperately needed someone to help with making tea and coffee at meetings, so I said I’d happily do that. We have about 30 people come to most meetings; several of them have been attending for a very long time.

“And although we do talk about macular disease, we do mainly try to focus on other things.”

Paul Holden, Macular Society regional manager, said: “For the group to have reached its 20th birthday and still be going strong is a great testament to all members.”