St Paul's Eye Appeal

Recent events - Archive 3

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Cycling challenge

Photo showing the cycling challenge team at the Humber Bridge. Every year since 1998, five keen cyclists have been raising money for local charities by taking on the challenge of different cycle routes across the UK. The five men from Preston have already cycled over 1000 miles and raised over £20,000 since they thought of the idea.

In 2005, with the memory of saddle sores and cramp having finally faded from 2004's challenge they once again took to the road to cycle 170 miles in bid to raise money for St Paul's Eye Appeal.

Their 8th charity bike ride took the team - Dave Clark 59, Raymond Green, 56, David Hargreaves, 44, Tony Kay, 61, Eric Murphy, 70, with the support of Roger Kendrick, 62 - across the Trans Pennine Trail from Southport to Hornsea via St Paul's Eye Unit in Liverpool. They completed their 2005 challenge at the Humber Bridge.

The 4-day challenge started with a ride that would test even the fittest of cyclist as they battled with the English weather in a bid to reach St Paul's Eye Hospital on the first leg of their journey. The mud splattered and rain soaked cyclists were welcomed to St Paul's, just one hour behind schedule due to one of the team losing his back wheel.

Spokesman for the Group, Grandfather of 7, Tony Kay said "Each year we tackle a new route and try to raise as much money as possible for local causes. The St Paul's route offered differing terrain, from tarmac to rough trails and sandy tracks, which are not very good for pedaling on. Even so, the absence of cars and other vehicles was comforting, as, when you do fall off, you don't get run over as well!"

"We decided to support the work of St Paul's Eye Unit because all the cyclists themselves or close family and friends have needed attention for eye problems and know only too well the wonderful work the Unit does. We our delighted that our efforts have raised so much money and we would like to thank our family and friends and the Rotary Club of Kirkham and Rural Fylde for the generous support they have given."

"Despite the punishing terrain the scenery was great. Who knows, we may be persuaded to do another challenge next year!"

This year's challenge resulted in the team raising in excess of £2,500 to help St Paul's purchase equipment that will help our team of specialist nurses, doctors and scientists find new treatments for common causes of blindness.

Each year over 90,000 people are treated at St Paul's. The latest statistics show that people who suffer from sight problems are set to double in the next 20 years. Sight loss currently costs the UK £5 billion and any further increase in those affected with sight loss will put a strain on current resources.

Evening of song

The Liverpool Philharmonic Community Choir performed at St Nicholas's Church, Pier Head, Liverpool on Saturday 23rd April, 2005.

All proceeds from the evening went towards St Paul's Eye Appeal.

The Evening of Song was organised to celebrate the hard work and dedication of both the staff who have worked for St Paul's and also the community of Liverpool whose support has enabled St Paul's to grow into what it is today.

Since St Paul's was established in 1871 to treat the poor of Liverpool it has grown to become one of the leading eye treatment and research centre's in the world. The hospital is well remembered for being located near the Pier Head in Old Hall St. St Nicholas's church, or St Nick's as locals affectionately know it, was St Paul's local church for 120 years.

People attending the evening were also entertained by the renowned local soprano, Pam Ashcroft, who has had a long association with St Paul's Eye Unit.

We are very grateful to the Liverpool Philharmonic Community Choir for supporting this event. It was lovely to return to the church that served the staff and patients of St Paul's for so many years. It was a very enjoyable evening of song and nostalgia.

Photo showing Nurses from St Paul's Eye Hospital, pictured in 1971. The photo was taken outside St Nicholas Church where a service was held to mark the hospital's centenary - http://www.mersey-gateway.org

Front cover of the programme for the Evening of Song, 23rd April 2005.

Mark Batterbury - London marathon

Photo showing Mark Batterbury after he finished the 2005 London marathon. On the 17th April 2005, Mark Batterbury, Consultant Ophthalmologist at St Paul's Eye Unit, ran the 26 miles and 385 yards of the London marathon.

Mark was helped along the 42,195 metres of the course by the knowledge that his efforts were raising over £2000 for St Paul's Eye Appeal.

Mark was one of 33,000 competitors that pounded the streets of London in the world famous event. The challenge was tough but Mark's rigorous training programme made things easier on the day. In preparation for the event he regularly ran 40 miles a week, which was not easy due to his clinical commitments.

Mark tries to get a place in the London marathon every year and was delighted to discover he was able to take part in 2005. What's more he did it for a very worthy cause.

After he finished the marathon, Mark updated St Paul's Eye Appeal and our supporters on how the day went:

"It was a warm, sunny day which brought out the supporters in their tens of thousands. The atmosphere was fantastic. It gives you a real buzz to run with such a large number of competitors, many of whom are raising money for charity.

It was hard work. I ran the first 14 miles or so quite well, but then fatigue and pain set in and I had to slow down. The spectators pull you along with their support, many shouting out your name by way of encouragement.

I crossed the finish line in 3 hours 56 minutes, which is respectable. You receive a "goody" bag, which includes a T shirt with the words "Never again … till the next time." That's exactly how you feel. Memory plays some wonderful tricks. Only half an hour after finishing tired and drained I began to wonder about next year!

I have raised over £2000 for the St Paul's Eye Appeal. Thank you to everyone for your support. There are times I was training that I wondered about giving up, but the knowledge that there were people committing their hard-earned money for the cause kept me going.

Best wishes,

Mark"