24 February 2015
The National Eye Research Centre (NERC) has named medal-winning paralympian skier Jade Etherington as its new ambassador.
Ms Etherington was the first female British skier to win medals in the Paralympics. In 2014, she won Silver and Bronze medals at the Winter Paralympic Games in Sochi, along with her sighted skiing partner, Caroline Powell.
Now in her role as ambassador for the charity, the 23-year-old, who was born with glaucoma and Axenfield-Rieger syndrome, is calling for more research into eye disease.
Speaking to Channel Five news earlier this month, Ms Etherington told presenter Emma Crosby: “I’m really excited to be part of this as it’s supporting... the Insights campaign, to raise awareness of the funding into the research of eye disease.”
Ms Etherington added: “Hopefully, it shows the potential to decrease the affects of having an eye disease.”
CEO of the NERC, Mike Daw, told OT: “Eye research in UK is critically underfunded. We are so pleased to have Jade on board as an ambassador to raise awareness of this issue. Not only is she a fantastic role model as Britain’s pre-eminent Paralympic skier but she is also very articulate on the subject of the need for greater investment to overcome eye disease and sight loss. We are looking forward to working with her to further the cause.”
Earlier this month the charity launched its manifesto at Westminster to promote advocacy of eye health and to increase funding into vital eye research.
Ms Etherington was the first female British skier to win medals in the Paralympics. In 2014, she won Silver and Bronze medals at the Winter Paralympic Games in Sochi, along with her sighted skiing partner, Caroline Powell.
Now in her role as ambassador for the charity, the 23-year-old, who was born with glaucoma and Axenfield-Rieger syndrome, is calling for more research into eye disease.
Speaking to Channel Five news earlier this month, Ms Etherington told presenter Emma Crosby: “I’m really excited to be part of this as it’s supporting... the Insights campaign, to raise awareness of the funding into the research of eye disease.”
Ms Etherington added: “Hopefully, it shows the potential to decrease the affects of having an eye disease.”
CEO of the NERC, Mike Daw, told OT: “Eye research in UK is critically underfunded. We are so pleased to have Jade on board as an ambassador to raise awareness of this issue. Not only is she a fantastic role model as Britain’s pre-eminent Paralympic skier but she is also very articulate on the subject of the need for greater investment to overcome eye disease and sight loss. We are looking forward to working with her to further the cause.”
Earlier this month the charity launched its manifesto at Westminster to promote advocacy of eye health and to increase funding into vital eye research.
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