By Chris Hewett
A 90-year-old Radlett woman who organised a coffee morning to raise cash for an eye disease hospital unit hailed the event a “great success".
Joan Brookes hosted about 100 people at Christchurch, in Watling Street, Radlett, to raise money for age related macular degeneration (AMD) – a disease Joan was diagnosed with in 2008.
Joan's friends baked cakes to sell at the coffee morning and brought prizes for a tombola at the event this morning (Friday).
Joan said: “It is great to see so many people here. I advertised in the local schools, opticians' and churches and it took quite a bit of time but I had some help.
“I have had about 15 injections for the disease and have received a lot of help from people at the hospital – that is why I wanted to raise some money for them today.”
AMD is a condition that affects a tiny area at the back of the eye called the macula, causing problems to central vision, though not a total loss of sight.
On her 90th birthday in May, Joan declined presents and instead asked for donations to a new cancer centre at Mount Vernon Hospital, which raised £270 for the ward.
As well as the tombola and a 'guess the name of the flower' competition, lead clinician for ophthalmology at Hillingdon Hospital, Nicholas Lee, gave a talk and answered questions about eye problems suffered by the elderly.
He said: “We like to get out and meet our patients, you can only do so much during an appointment. It is nice for them to be able to ask questions they may not otherwise and raise awareness of AMD because people need to know if they pick it up early the treatment will be more effective.”
The total raised at the coffee morning is yet to be counted but all proceeds will be donated to Hillingdon Hospital.
Rita Johnson, who attended the morning, said: “Most of us have problems with our eyes when we get past 70 and the talk was very useful and interesting. If people become more aware of these problems, they can do more about them.”
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