Helvellyn climb for baby girl who 'may never see the world'

Friday, 31 May 2024 11:11

By Greg Lambert and Ross Chapman

Amelia was diagnosed with albinism at three months old and is severely visually impaired

Players, fans and volunteers at a Lancaster football club will climb Helvellyn inspired by a baby girl who is severely partially sighted.

Caton United FC's climb of one of the UK's highest peaks this Sunday (June 2) will raise money for the Gift of Sight appeal, as well as the club itself.

The appeal is close to the club’s hearts.

Amelia, the young daughter of Abby Arrowsmith from Caton, was diagnosed with albinism at three months old, which affects the pigmentation of the eyes, leading to reduced vision.

Abby is a big supporter of Gift of Sight, which aims to fund research into the prevention and treatment of blindness.

She is fundraising for Gift of Sight HERE and has so far raised more than £6,600.

"The degree to which the disease affects a person varies," said Abby, writing on the fundraising page.

"Without sufficient pigmentation, too much light can enter the eyes which, in combination with other factors caused by the disease, creates visual impairment or blindness.

"For Amelia, this diagnosis means she is severely visually impaired, and will face many challenges throughout her life.

"Albinism affects one in 17,000 people from all ethic backgrounds. Most of us take our eyesight for granted, and couldn't possibly imagine a life without sight. For Amelia, she may never get the opportunity to see the world. There is no cure or treatment currently for albinism."

Research into a drug, which could be given in early infancy, offers hope for improving the vision in children with albinism.

"Following (the) diagnosis I have come across the work of Helena Lee and her team in Southampton<" said Abby.

"This work is breathtakingly amazing! Helena has devoted her life's work to finding a treatment for albinism.

"Helena's current work has the real potential to be a break-through in medical science, changing the vision of those with albinism, forever. Helena is working with a drug called 'levodopa'. People with albinism lack the correct genetic code to produce the chemical necessary to help the eye develop. So, in the womb and in early years, the eye doesn't develop in the same way as it does for most people.

"This drug is believed to replace the chemical that's missing, and it's believed the earlier the drug is given, the better the chances of significant visual improvement. What's even more amazing, is that this drug is already used safely in infants for a different condition. So Helena's work aims to show how it can be used to treat albinism.

"She is right on the edge of making such a difference to so many lives, but scientific research costs money, which is why I'm asking for your help. I ask that you please give as much as you can help to go towards Helena's work, whether it be this current research or her next one.

"We are aiming to raise £250,000 in total, because that is roughly the amount Helena will need to get to the next stage of her research and bring us one step closer to being able to give the gift of sight."

The climb was originally planned for Sunday, April 14 but was postponed due to bad weather.

Half the money raised from the climb will go towards improvements to Caton United FC’s facilities, while the other half will go to Gift of Sight.

Committee members, management, players, supporters and friends of the club are all taking part in the 3120ft climb in the Lake District.

The West Lancashire League club has a target of £2,000 and welcomes any donation, big or small.

To donate, visit HERE.