Sponsor me to run the Yorkshire marathon in York on Sunday 19 October, 2025

I’m running to raise funds for research that will improve the early diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in older adults in the UK. AMD affects around 700,000 people, damaging the macula (the centre of the retina) and making everyday activities like reading, driving and recognising faces difficult. It doesn’t cause complete blindness, but it can significantly reduce quality of life.

I’m proud to serve at the research helm of the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund. Together with our team of vision scientists and clinicians, we’re carrying out research with one goal: to preserve sight and improve the lives of people affected by AMD.

Your donation, large or small, will directly support this work. I’ll be thinking of my patients, our team of researchers and clinicians, and our supporters as I push through those final miles.

With appreciation, Professor Richard Gale

Professor of Ophthalmology at Hull York Medical School, University of York Honorary Consultant Medical Ophthalmologist at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

about the Yorkshire macular degeneration fund

Founded in 2023 by the University of York in partnership with Hull York Medical School, the Fund supports ground-breaking AMD research led by Professor Richard Gale, a globally recognised expert in retinal disease. We are honoured to have Dame Judi Dench as our Patron.

Thanks to a growing community of donors, we have already funded two full-time postgraduate research posts and are making important strides in understanding AMD. Our current focus is the “Anna the Eye Scanner” appeal, raising funds for an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scanner and associated research programme with AMD patients in York to power research that will help build the case for a national AMD screening programme. Earlier detection means earlier treatment and, for many, the preservation of sight.

For larger gifts or to discuss your support or just learn more, please contact our Philanthropy Manager, Sharon Oakley on email sharon.oakley@york.ac.uk or mobile +44 (0)7795 315 108