An event aimed at raising awareness of macular disease is taking place in Whitehaven later this month.

Leading UK sight loss charity the Macular Society, working in partnership with West Cumbria Society for the Blind, has organised the event, which takes place on Thursday, November 28, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. It takes place at Samaritans West Cumbria, 22-23 Church Street and will see both charities giving a brief overview of their activities.

Macular Society regional manager Michelle Dutton will be giving an introduction to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other forms of macular disease.

She said: “Information events like these give us a great opportunity to highlight the effects of macular disease and the support that’s on offer in the local area. It also helps us to identify whether people living in and around Whitehaven would benefit from having their own macular support group.

“If you have a macular condition, or if you have a friend or family member who has been affected by sight problems, then please come along and meet us on 28 November to find out more.”

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK.

Nearly 1.5 million people are currently affected and many more are at risk. The disease can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces. There is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable. AMD is the most common form of macular disease, affecting more than 600,000 people, usually over the age of 50.

The Macular Society will also be highlighting the work of its macular support groups, which help increase the confidence and independence of people affected by macular disease. There are currently more than 400 of these groups across the UK, and if the awareness event in Whitehaven is successful, a group will launch in the town in 2020.

For anyone attending the event, enter the Samaritans West Cumbria store at the entrance to the left hand side of the building.

For more information about the event, contact Michelle Dutton on 0161 286 9029 / 07950 424 586 or email michelle.d@macularsociety.org

For general information on macular disease, call the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org