As a team we're raising funds to support the vital eye research taking place at the University of Southampton - and doing our bit to help beat blindness!

Together, we are taking on the 'Three Peaks Challenge' - an adventure that involves climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in 24 hours.

Our climbing team includes scientists, PhD students, staff and supporters from Southampton's vision science team:

Ellie, Catherine, Mark, Charlie, Anna, Angus, Isaac, Raquel, Sam, Jennie, Josh, Hayden.

Sadly, sight loss can happen to anyone at any age and we tend to take our vision for granted. None of us know when it may impact us or our family members. Whilst blindness isn't fatal, it can be hugely debilitating to our quality of life.

1 in 3 people will suffer age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by the time they are in their mid-seventies. Eye research over the past 20 years has enabled treatment for patients suffering from 'wet' AMD, but we still need to find a cure for 'dry' AMD.

Gift of Sight supports our researchers at the University of Southampton, who are working hard to come up with a solution for this, and other common eye conditions. We're driving research forward into children's eye diseases, inherited retinal diseases and corneal infections.

Eye conditions account for 10% of all NHS outpatient visits and surgeries, yet only 1% of government research funds goes to eye research. The only way our researchers can continue their vital work is with the generosity of philanthropic donations.

Your donation could make all the difference - please join us in raising funds for research, which will transform the lives of others. Together we will beat blindness!

University of Southampton Gift of Sight Appeal is an exempt Charity X19140.

Thank you to Sapphire Eye Care for sponsoring some of the transport costs for the team.