Kenneth's story
When Kenneth was first diagnosed with macular degeneration, he never imagined the emotional impact it would have on his life. But as his sight loss progressed and Charles Bonnet syndrome brought frightening hallucinations, he found himself facing challenges he never expected.
Thanks to the Macular Society’s free counselling service, Kenneth found understanding, reassurance, and the confidence to live life again. It’s this kind of life-changing support that your gift in Will can help in future so no one has to face sight loss alone.
Coming to terms with my diagnosis
I was first diagnosed with macular degeneration around seven years ago and I convinced myself that I wouldn’t lose my sight.
However, last year, I started experiencing blurring and distortion and I was registered as partially sighted. The shock was bad and it took me a while to realise what was going on.
My first Macular Society group meeting went well but by the time I attended again I had started ‘seeing things’ and felt scared. I didn’t understand about Charles Bonnet hallucinations back then and at my second meeting I just broke down. I couldn’t stop crying.
Finding support through counselling
My group leader put me in touch with Macular Society Counselling, which really calmed me down. Within two sessions I started to think more about what was happening to me. I had vision that still allowed me to do some things; and the counsellor explained that I wasn’t the only one going through this.
Without a doubt, counselling helped bring my confidence back. Before it was like trying to run a steam train without any coal. My counsellor was fantastic. She understood where I was and what was wrong with me.
When you go through a life-changing situation like this, it is invaluable.
"Thanks to counselling, I found my confidence again. The gift in your Will can make that possible for others like me. Thank you."
Kenneth
Wanting to help others like me
I’m just thankful for all the support I’ve received from the Macular Society, especially in understanding my Charles Bonnet syndrome. I’m determined to help others like me and make a difference.
Gifts in Wills help secure the future of our support services, so that nobody has to face macular disease alone. Thanks to every person who has kindly and generously decided to include a sight-saving gift in their Will, we can be there for people like Kenneth.
Make a lasting difference
Kenneth’s journey shows how life-changing our counselling and support services can be. By leaving a gift in your Will, you can ensure that future generations never have to face macular disease alone.
Request your free Gifts in Wills guide today and find out how your legacy could make a lasting difference.
Request a free Gifts in Wills guide
By considering a gift in your Will to the Macular Society, you’ll be taking a precious step towards creating a future without macular disease.
Find out more about leaving a gift in your Will
Gifts in Wills fund the world-class research that will fund a cure and Beat Macular Disease for good.