Jan 21st 2013

Biking for BMEC to say thank you for saving my sight

Emma McGuire is all set to complete a sponsored bike ride between Worcester and Birmingham to raise money for the Birmingham Midland Eye Centre, where she underwent sight-saving surgery last year.

On Sunday 24 March, Emma and her partner Adrian will be putting themselves through their paces by cycling a total of 31 miles along the canal from Worcester to Birmingham.

Last year Emma suffered a severe retinal detachment which could have left her permanently blind in her right eye had it been left untreated.

Whilst getting ready for a party Emma’s sight deteriorated so dramatically she could only see a few feet in front of her.

After attending the BMEC A&E department, she was rushed to surgery where a team of specialists led by Dr A. Mitra repaired her retina and rescued her sight.

Since undergoing surgery, Emma has been treated in the BMEC Outpatients department.

Emma said: “I owe so much to both the A&E team and Mr Mitra and his team for all of their expertise and outstanding quality of care.”

She explained: “Doing this bike ride is my way of saying thank you. All the money raised will be going straight to the BMEC to help them treat more people in need of their sight-saving services.”

To help Emma reach her target visit her Just Giving page – http://www.justgiving.com/bikeforbmec

To find out more about fundraising for Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals contact Head of Fundraising, Carly Jones at carlyjones1@nhs.net or on 0121 507 5036.

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Hospitals Charity raises money to provide additional facilities that help improve the experience of patients being treated at Sandwell General Hospital, Birmingham City Hospital, the Birmingham Midland Eye Centre and Rowley Regis Hospital.