Thank you to everyone who gave to our BBC Radio 4 charity appeal in June this year. The appeal raised £9, 230.
You can read what a difference the appeal has made to the charity and the nystagmus community on the BBC website here where you can also listen again to Richard Osman presenting the appeal on behalf of the charity.
Thank you, Richard
Following transmission of the Nystagmus Network’s Radio 4 appeal, presented by Richard Osman, the charity has received universally positive feedback on the clarity of the broadcast’s message. One listener, in his 70s, said he had learned more about nystagmus in those 3 minutes than throughout the rest of his life. We have been contacted by several individuals saying that they were totally unaware of the condition previously or that Richard himself lived with nystagmus. We have also enjoyed unprecedented social media engagement. With transmission following closely after Nystagmus Awareness Day on 20 June, the appeal raised awareness of the condition to new heights.
In 2020, when most fundraising has ceased and people with nystagmus have been struggling with homeschooling, social distancing, shopping, lack of hospital appointments and isolation, the appeal has been a lifeline to the charity and the nystagmus community in terms of generating donations.
The total raised has reached almost £8,000 to help the charity extend and develop its support and information services. This means that, as eye clinics and high street opticians begin to reopen, patients and their families will have access to information about nystagmus. Clinic staff will be aware of their needs, thanks to training the charity is now able to provide. In September, when children return to school, parents and school staff will enjoy the benefit of accurate, up to date information about education support to ensure that all young people with nystagmus attain their academic potential.
We are indebted to our wonderful presenter, Richard, for kindly agreeing to voice our appeal and share his own reflections on living with nystagmus. We often tell young children that, with the right support, they can achieve anything, despite their disability. They can even become a famous TV presenter if they work very, very hard. Thank you, Richard, for the inspiration and thank you to everyone who responded to the appeal.
If you missed Richard Osman presenting the Nystagmus Network charity appeal on BBC Radio 4 at 07.54 this morning you can listen again now.
Huge thanks to Richard and to everyone for donating to the appeal. Your generosity will ensure that the charity can continue to support the nystagmus community.
The Nystagmus Network is delighted to announce that it has been granted a BBC Radio 4 charity appeal.
The appeal will be presented by well known TV presenter, broadcaster and author, Richard Osman on Sunday 5 July.
Richard has nystagmus himself and says it is his “absolute pleasure” to be able to support the charity in this way. Although he enjoys a successful career, he explains that at school “I had to listen an awful lot”. He famously cannot use an auto-cue when presenting on TV and must commit everything to memory.
The charity is particularly thrilled to have Richard’s support with the appeal as he is something of a role model to children and young people who have nystagmus. They see him on TV and know that they too can achieve their ambitions if they work hard and get the support they need.
Richard’s success and high profile are also a source of great comfort to the many parents who worry what the future may hold for their visually impaired children.
The charity’s Information and Development Manager, Sue Ricketts says: “We are so pleased to have been awarded this opportunity to have a Radio 4 appeal. Many listeners will hear about nystagmus for the very first time from someone who lives with the condition himself. What better way to raise awareness?”
Every pound donated to the appeal will help the Nystagmus Network continue to support the children, adults and families living with nystagmus and provide them with the information they need to thrive.
Picture of Richard Osman courtesy of Penguin Books
