Seeing Clearly; Raising Cash for Cataract Operations

During National Mental Health Awareness Week Amicus, our Sixth Form charity group, organised an own clothes day to raise everyone’s spirits and boost wellbeing across the park as well as raising funds for charity. The group were proud to collect £660 which has been given to Spanish charity Fundación Allegro along with some additional monies raised by Amicus over the course of the year.

Fundación Allegro operates a variety of projects in Africa including agricultural initiatives to improve drainage and irrigation as well as a health and wellbeing focus which helps Ethiopian citizens suffering from cataracts. In Ethiopia the loss of eyesight can result in the inability to work which in turn can lead to issues of poverty, homelessness, social isolation and psychological problems.

The charity’s founder, Felipe Aixala Font de Rubinet, is an anthropologist as well as a philanthropist and was well aware that the difficulties and cost of travel, loss of earnings and need for accommodation could prevent patients accepting an operation which can make such a difference to the quality of their life. The arrangements made by Fundación Allegro make it as easy as possible for people to take advantage of the operation and regain their sight. The cost of a cataract operation, which is a relatively risk-free and simple procedure, is on average £42 per patient which includes transport to the hospital from the patient’s home village, a meal and overnight accommodation as well as the price of the operation. The Leighton Park donation of £750 has successfully helped 20 people to see again. The charity did receive a grant from the Spanish government earlier in the year that has resolved 3,200 more cataract cases and restored the sight of thousands of Ethiopians.

Delya (Lower Sixth) was pleased to see so many members of the School community get involved with the fundraising efforts; “It’s amazing to know how small efforts by everyone can change the lives of those affected by this condition. The fundraiser helped not only in raising money but also in raising awareness about cataracts. I was really satisfied and happy knowing that our collective efforts will help restore vision and give hope to those in need.”

Amicus were delighted to have raised enough money on Thursday 18^th May through their own clothes day to fund 20 operations, making a real difference to people’s lives. “What a brilliant story of hope!” commented Tash Coccia, Senior Assistant Head: Partnerships and Outreach.