A BLIND man is appealing for people to support a charity that helps people who have lost their sight.

Ian Martin, a regular centre user at Worcestershire Association for the Blind based at the Bradbury Centre in Sansome Walk, Worcester, is asking people to pledge their support for World Sight Day tomorrow.

He said: “The support that I get from Worcestershire Association for the Blind is invaluable. Without it I would still be struggling every day.

“The money raised makes a real difference to our lives. I can’t wait to see if this awareness campaign makes a difference and encourages more people to help with a small donation or with their time.”

Hundreds of people lose their sight in Worcestershire every year and the charity provides more than 15 services that help visually-impaired people cope with their sight loss and regain their independence.

Bosses hope funds can help them cope with everyday tasks like buying groceries and provide them with emotional support. Last year, the people of Worcestershire raised £46,000 to help people who have lost their sight.

Alice Watts, spokesman for WAB, said: “We try to provide all the services that local people ask us to, but there is never enough money for everything. We do the best we can with the money that we have.”

Donations can be made to Worcestershire Association for the Blind, WR1 1LH or online at everyclick.co.uk/worcester shireassociationfortheblind.

Fund-raising events are being planned across the county to mark tomorrow’s ‘Wear Bright for Sight’ day.

l In Worcester’s CrownGate shopping centre, Lions Worcester branch will be inviting passers-by to experience the practical problems faced by blind people.

The Mayor of Worcester, Coun Andy Roberts, will be in the centre’s Friary Walk, inviting people to join him on a blindfolded walk.

Lions hopes the exercise will raise awareness of the many preventable causes of sight loss such as diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts.

An exhibition in Friary Walk between 10am and 4pm is being jointly hosted by the Lions, High Street opticians Vision Express and the Worcestershire Association for The Blind and will allow people to take up the offer of free eye tests.

For more information or to get involved with Worcester Lions Club call June Lloyd-Adams on 07815 096841.

l Staff at Premiere People recruitment agency in Foregate Street, Worcester, will be dressing up for Wear Bright for Sight day. In addition to donating money to wear bright clothes, staff and visitors to the branch will take part in a host of fund-raising activities to raise funds for WAB.