Nick Price has had an exciting career working at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, as an eye consultant surgeon as well as a trustee at Beacon.
“After becoming a trustee it was then I saw the link between my work in the NHS and Beacon. My knowledge has allowed me to help Beacon and the sight loss community within Black Country and Staffordshire – using my understanding to improve services delivered by Beacon.”
Nick has taken part in many fundraising activities, such as a bike ride from London to Paris, but after these events he wanted to take on the next challenge.
“Fundraising is a key element to any charity and acts as the backbone to help support its operations. Working as an eye consultant I saw first-hand the impact of sight loss and knew I had to help. My work allowed me to see the other side of sight loss, such as the barriers and difficulties many face which is why I joined Beacon as a trustee and started to fundraise.
“Fundraising is also a great way to raise the profile of Beacon because you’re always looking for sponsorship to help reach your total and expand awareness. After retiring from New Cross and leaving the trustee board, fundraising has become a personal hobby. I wanted a new challenge and took up running and soon after approached Beacon about entering the London Marathon.”
The London Marathon is a 26mile challenge and involves running around the landmarks of the capital. It takes a great deal of training and is one of the most physically demanding challengs.
“For me the London Marathon is the ultimate test in fitness and stamina. After months of training and fundraising I was ready to go. Beacon supported me with training tips, contacts and a sponsored shirt for the day. They also called up with regular conversations to check on my progress and gave me guidance when needed – this made a huge difference.
“The marathon was gruelling but thanks to friends and family cheering on the side lines I was able to make it. I was on top of the world and was extremely proud of my achievement when I crossed the finish line. But the icing on the cake was all the money I raised and the difference it made to the many people living with sight loss.”
Nick is now looking for his next challenge and is on the hunt for fellow fundraisers for his next test.
“You can raise as little or as much as you want. The Beacon fundraising team is amazing and offers step-by-step support. They give you the confidence you need and a better understanding on how to fundraise. Anyone considering supporting Beacon and fundraising should not hesitate, get in touch and tell them what you want to do and they will help you all the way.”
If you would like to find out more about Beacon fundraising events, joining a fundraising event outside of Beacon or creating your own fundraiser, contact the fundraising team on: fundraising@beaconvision.org or call 01902 880 111.
