A Belfast man with limited vision is taking on his biggest challenge yet – to raise funds for the treatment of glaucoma in Northern Ireland.
Seven years ago, Andrew Davidson, a graphic designer from Gilnahirk, was forced to face the reality of sight loss after being diagnosed with advanced glaucoma.
Thanks to the care of his close optician friend, the glaucoma team at the Shankill Wellbeing & Treatment Clinic in Belfast, and the world-famous Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, he has retained limited sight in one eye.
Andrew has made it his mission to pay it back to the Shankill Clinic, by raising funds for advanced diagnostic equipment which will enable the early detection and treatment of glaucoma.
On 17 January Andrew, along with his wife, daughter and 11 close friends, sets off to Tanzania, where he will lead an eight-day trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.
“I believe in the power of progress in the fight against glaucoma,” said Andrew who recently took early retirement from his role as Head of Graphics at BBC NI.
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Known for his positive spirit and dogged determination, Andrew is also a talented artist and plans to start a degree in Fine Art when he returns from his African adventure.
“I admit I was floored when I was first diagnosed, and could easily have fallen into the victim trap,” said Andrew.
“But the expert care and generous support I received from the glaucoma team at the Shankill Clinic was a game-changer. Their actions went above and beyond, preserving my remaining sight and helping me through the darkest of times.”
Andrew Davidson will take on the challenge of a lifetime.
Andrew, who has always been active, previously led fundraising trips to Cambodia, Tanzania, India and Poland in aid of Habitat for Humanity.
Reflecting on all he has achieved, Andrew pays credit to his family, friendship group and the power of community spirit.
“I hit many low ebbs and there were times when I thought my window for independence and opportunity was firmly shut. But the Gilnahirk community is strong and when a good friend suggested I try Park Run at Stormont, it was the catalyst which changed my mindset.”
In December Andrew clocked his 178th Park Run. Over the last seven years he has also skied, cycled (on a tandem), is a regular at the gym, and completes an average of two ‘dawn’ runs each week with another friend from his Gilnahirk community.
“I try to think of my sight limitations as a different way of viewing life. I’ve a new-found strength and determination to show the world I won’t be defined by glaucoma.”
Andrew established Pressure-Eyes with the goal of raising £40,000 by the end of 2025. In addition to the Kilimanjaro trek, he is organising a concert in March and a gala ball in October.
In Northern Ireland glaucoma affects 2% of the population over the age of 40, rising to 5% for those aged over 80, but around half aren’t aware they have a problem.
Andrew Davidson receives some last-minute advice from Angela Knox (r), Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinical Lead for glaucoma services at the Shankill Wellbeing & Treatment Centre, along with his friend and fellow trekker Claire Bonner.
According to Angela Knox, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinical Lead for glaucoma services at the Shankill Wellbeing & Treatment Centre it could be described as a hidden disease.
“Regular eye tests with a community optometrist can detect the disease at an early stage. But glaucoma patients require lifelong assessment, treatment and monitoring by specialists. This is essential to detect disease progression and manage treatment accordingly.
“Diagnosis can be devastating but with appropriate early detection and management, progression can be slowed, and adverse effects minimised.
“We are currently monitoring 14,000 patients and there are hundreds more awaiting first assessment, which places great demand on limited resources.
“The funds raised by Andrew and his team will be a huge boost for our clinic, enabling us to enhance patient engagement, and extend our monitoring and teaching services.”
On why summiting Kilimanjaro is so important to him, Andrew said: “Our vision is something we often take for granted – at least until it deteriorates, or we lose it completely.
“Chris McCausland’s amazing performance on Strictly Come Dancing has helped to focus the spotlight on sight-loss, reframing how we think about disabilities and individual potential.
“Together with my gang of intrepid trekkers, we are thanking the Shankill clinic for all it has done for me. And in a practical way helping treat and maybe someday finding a cure for this horrible condition.”
The 14 Kilimanjaro climbers are paying for the trek themselves. 100% of the funds raised will go to the Shankill Wellbeing and Treatment Clinic.
Donations can be made here.