The aim of the Friends of Cam Sight is to have a supportive group of individuals whose purpose is to raise funds for Cam Sight through events, run by non-Cam Sight staff.

The Friends were first launched in 2000 at a party in the Fitzwilliam Museum. Guests were invited to join a database to become Friends of Cam Sight, to receive news of events. The pledge is that the Friends will not be asked to donate as repeatedly, instead Friends are offered to buy tickets. Linda Fairbrother was the first Chair of the Friends' Committee and she kindly served for 15 years. Charlie Hattersley is now Chair.

Many of the events held over the years have had a link to low vision and blindness, for example: 'Driving Blind', a car challenge held at Bassingbourn Barracks with the help of BSM instructors where drivers had to work their way around a course wearing a blindfold, with their team partner giving instructions. Dining in the Dark is a long-term favourite, where again blindfolds are used, this time to challenge diners to work out the ingredients of the specially-created meals, in order to win a prize (and understand better some of the issues in being visually impaired). 

Last year the Friends of Cam Sight raised £14,343 through fundraising events. 

Events are organised throughout the year and public ones will be shared on our Fundraising Events page. To join the Friends of Cam Sight, please email Nick via [email protected]. 

Photo: Guests wearing blindfolds seated at the table at a Dining in the Dark event.