Supporting Children without Eyes: How Your Generosity Made a Difference

At the end of 2024, the Chesterton House Foundation awarded a £1,000 grant to MACS (Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia, and Coloboma Support) to fund activities for children born without eyes or with underdeveloped eyes, and their families across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire.

We’re delighted to share an update from Emily at MACS about how the grant has been used to create meaningful experiences for the young people and families they support. In Emily’s words:

“The fabulous grant has been allocated as requested to two specific projects this year both of which are designed to connect MACS families together for shared experience and peer support.

1. Nottingham Meet Up

On Saturday 19th October, we were delighted to welcome new and familiar faces at our MACS Meet Up at the Holiday Inn, Nottingham. Despite the wild weather and flooding on the journey in, the event turned out to be a delightful experience!

The day was filled with laughter, creativity, and community, proving that a little rain can’t dampen our spirits. One of the highlights was a wonderful workshop led by Hayleigh from Creation Station. She inspired everyone, nurturing creative spirits and helping everyone – from the youngest to the oldest members – express themselves through art. It was a joy to see such a diverse group of MACS members coming together, each with unique talents and abilities.

The food was nothing short of exceptional. The attentive staff made us feel truly special, serving us at our tables as we engaged in lively conversations. It was a feast for both the palate and the heart!

For the first time, we introduced Nintendo Switches into the mix, and they were a huge hit! Members eagerly jumped into games and activities, adding an extra layer of fun to our gathering.

We were also touched by a special visit from a longtime member, who brought along a Braille book donation from his son. It was a beautiful reminder of the support and generosity that defines our community.

As the day drew to a close, we couldn’t resist packing up our things and heading outside to enjoy the unexpectedly sunny evening. The conversations flowed freely, and it was hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful day.

In the end, the Nottingham MACS Meet Up was a resounding success, filled with joy, creativity, and camaraderie. We can’t wait for our next gathering!

2. Local Social Activities: Chesterfield Pantomime

With the remaining funding, we’ve arranged an accessible pantomime experience in Chesterfield on Sunday, 22nd December. A total of 34 MACS members will attend an audio-described performance of Cinderella at the Winding Wheel Theatre, complete with a Touch Tour offering a hands-on, tactile experience.

Pantomimes have become a popular tradition among our members, providing inclusive entertainment that brings MACS families together in a joyful and relaxed atmosphere. These events help build friendships, reduce isolation, and foster invaluable peer support within our community, and give the children the opportunity to experience a simple pleasure in life like their sighted peers.

Both of these events align perfectly with our vision that people in the UK with MACS conditions and their families are empowered to thrive and confidently lead fulfilling lives, and we thank you for sharing this vision and donating so generously to make it happen.

We’re proud to have been able to support MACS in making such a positive impact, and it’s wonderful to hear how the funding has helped bring families together. We can’t wait to see what they achieve in 2025!

To learn more about the incredible work MACS does, visit their website here.

To learn more about the Chesterton House Foundation and how you can help us to support our community it’s here.