A charity that is marking a century and a half of supporting local people living with sight loss has made a final call for funding pledges to reach a target of 150.
Since 1875, East Cheshire Eye Society has grown from a small group into a vital source of help and reassurance for people across the area, from offering practical advice and technology training to social activities or simply a friendly face to talk to.
To mark its milestone year, the society launched its “150 for 150” campaign inviting 150 people, groups or organisations to each raise or donate £150.
The society said the response had been “fantastic”, with supporters holding bake sales, quiz nights, tabletop sales and sponsored walks to help continue its life-changing work.
As the landmark anniversary year drew to a close, the team made a final call for pledges to reach the target.
Alan Chappell, charity manager at the society, said: “We’re so proud to have reached 150 years as a small, independent charity that’s made a big impact in our community.
“The support we’ve had this year has been incredible, and it’s heartwarming to see so many people rally behind us. We’re very close to our pledge target now, and a few more donations will help us finish the year on a real high.”
The money raised will go directly towards funding the society’s vital services, helping local people adapt to sight loss, regain confidence and stay connected with their community.
Mr Chappell added: “Anyone can take part in the campaign, whether that’s by hosting a bake sale, organising a bring-and-buy sale, taking on a sponsored challenge or simply donating £150.
“Every pledge, big or small, helps to ensure the charity can continue its work for another 150 years.”
To help the charity reach its final few pledges, call 01625 422 602 or email info@eastcheshireeyesociety.org.uk. Donations can also be made directly via eastcheshireeyesociety.org.uk.
The society’s beginnings stem from Macclesfield’s silk industry, which provided much of the employment for local workers in the 19th century.
Skills involved included the threading of handloom harnesses, which was detailed and complex, and carried out in very poor lighting conditions. This affected workers’ sight and as a result many became unemployable.
The local authority acknowledged this problem and founded the Society for Home Teaching of the Blind. A committee of caring women was formed in 1875, when there were 80 blind people registered in Macclesfield.
The objective was originally to visit the blind in their homes or in the workhouse and to improve their quality of life by teaching them to read, mainly religious books.
By the 1920s, as the society progressed, the committee began to teach more skills such as knitting and crocheting. With additional help, basket-weaving, rush seating, piano tuning and even coal sack-making were introduced and blind people began to obtain worthwhile occupations.
