SpaMedica partners with Macular Society

SpaMedica has formed a new partnership with the Macular Society.

The collaboration will help to fund research and support services for patients diagnosed with macular disease, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is currently the leading cause of sight loss in the UK, SpaMedica pointed out, adding that approximately 40,000 patients will be diagnosed with neovascular AMD each year. Neovascular AMD cases rose 29% in the last 10 years.

SpaMedica employees are aiming to raise £5000 for the charity, which will be matched by SpaMedica’s board of directors.

Tom Fellows, head of policy and value proposition at SpaMedica, will take part in two 10km runs to support fundraising efforts.

Fellows said: “The Macular Society is a charity that’s close to many of our hearts. SpaMedica currently treats thousands of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration across our nationwide network of hospitals, so we have seen firsthand the impact the condition can have on people’s lives, and the benefits of early intervention.”

“That’s why we’re delighted to be working with the Macular Society to make eye services more accessible and effective for patients with macular disease, and why we’re committed to expanding our macular service to support as many patients as possible,” he added.

Fellow's fundraising challenges will take place at the home ground of his local team, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, and the team local to SpaMedica’s head office, Bolton Wanderers FC.

“Our fathers and grandfathers who saw the football stars of the 50s and 60s are now in the high-risk category for developing macular disease. I want to do what I can to ensure those who saw Nat Lofthouse and Billy Wright play are not denied their opportunity to see Aaron Collins and Matheus Cunha play,” Fellows explained.

Future plans for the partnership include inviting representatives from the Macular Society to attend SpaMedica’s hospitals and collaborate on improving local support services.

Dr Peter Bloomfield, director of services for the Macular Society, said: “Our mission is to help people with macular disease live full and independent lives while funding vital research to find a cure. Patient outcomes are at the heart of everything we do, and we welcome any initiatives that prioritise the needs of those living with this condition.”

Recognising the support of SpaMedica, Bloomfield said: “We’re excited to see the creative ways the team will be raising funds this year.”