When he was just over two years-old, we noticed something was wrong with our son Oliver's right eye. After extensive visits to specialists it was discovered that he has Coats Disease. (Don't worry, us too...) This is a random congenital defect which causes increased fluid build up in blood vessels around the retina, eventually detaching it, and rendering the sufferer blind in that eye. There are around 60 cases per year in the UK, so it is extremely rare.

Sadly it was diagnosed too late to save his vision, and Oliver underwent multiple surgeries to reattach his retina, and we now have annual visits to check the condition of his eye.

The main thing is that he is currently - and hopefully continually - pain free with this, although the retina is disconnecting once again. There are further issues which may arise, but for the time being he is just used to not having vision in his right eye.

As there is no UK-based Coats charity, I am raising funds for the RNIB, as good vision is something so many of us take for granted and any help which can improve quality of life for blind or partially-sighted people is undoubtedly a great thing.

I am also raising for RNIB in memory of my late father-in-law, as he was so moved by Oliver's partial blindness when he was with us, that he raised money for RNIB as well.

Please give all you can for this great cause.

Thank you!

Andrew