Actor and Loose Women panellist raises £55,700 for Sightsavers

Actor and Loose Women panellist, Sunetra Sarker, has raised £55,700 for international development charity Sightsavers with an appearance on Celebrity Catchphrase.

Sarker, who plays Kaneez Paracha in Channel 4 comedy drama Ackley Bridge, appeared in the gameshow on Saturday 22 January, alongside comedian, Roisin Conaty, and radio presenter, Rickie Haywood-Williams.

She said: “It was nerve-wracking; the screen was huge and the pressure to buzz was immense. I still can’t believe it happened; I’ve never won so much money for charity before.”

Sightsavers protects sight, treats and eliminates neglected tropical diseases, and campaigns for equal rights for people with disabilities. Sarker has been an ambassador for the charity for over a decade.

In that time, she has also visited an initiative in India that provides free eye tests and prescription glasses to truck drivers, and has voiced a BBC Radio 4 appeal about trachoma.

Speaking about the charity, Sarker said: “Hearing the phrase ‘blind from avoidable causes’ through Sightsavers really stuck with me. Giving the gift of sight is something I feel strongly about, and I hope the donation will make a difference to a community of people. If one life or family is improved as a result, I will be over the moon.”

Lead image: Sunetra Sarkar at a truck depot in India, during an eye camp organised by Sightsavers