A fundraising campaign is to launch in September to help the visually impaired in Nottinghamshire.

Coun Stuart Wallace, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, is gathering support and donations for his chosen charity for his year in office, My Sight Notts.
He hopes to change the lives of people in the local community.

The launch of the fundraising campaign will coincide with National Eye Health Week, from 21st to 27th September, where attention across the country will be drawn to the importance of looking after eye health and getting regular eye tests.

Coun Wallace said: “I chose to support My Sight Notts during my time as chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council because I think the charity offers fantastic support to those who have lost their sight, or perhaps have never had sight.

“It must be truly devastating for a person to lose their sight. The support that My Sight Notts offers, such as assistive technology, goes directly to the people in Nottinghamshire who need it the most, so you know that your money is going to help someone in your own community.”

Coun Wallace was more determined to help the charity after he heard of the impacts Covid-19 has had on blind and partially sighted people, leaving them less independent due to being unable to follow social distancing guidelines in places like shops.

He said: “People with visual impairments have been impacted by Covid-19, leaving some people more isolated than ever. Having a visual impairment stops people from being able to socially distance properly, and even those with guide dogs have struggled, as the dogs have never been trained to keep a social distance.

“These issues have left many people with visual impairments unable to leave the house and unable to do the things they normally would be able to do independently.

“That is why it’s now more important than ever to lend your support to charities like My Sight Notts, which is helping people through this difficult time, offering emotional support and advice as well as providing assistive technology to help in their day-to-day lives.”

If you would like to help Coun Wallace you can donate at his dedicated JustGiving page, where all funds will go to My Sight Notts. Go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ncc-chairman or find out more about the charity at www.mysightnotts.org.uk