Nishani, who is one of the leading experts on glaucoma in the UK, is based at University Hospital Southampton. She skinned (skied up hill) the equivalent of Everest during this four-day gruelling event. Each day she climbed on skis between 2,000 m and 2,500 m to reach the overall target of 8,848 m.
We asked why she undertook this challenge, and she said: “It’s for my patients. Glaucoma is a slow progressing disease that steals people’s sight. Despite affecting 10% of the population over the age of 75 years old in the UK, it is relatively unknown. I want to use this Everest in the Alps challenge to highlight this disease. It is heart breaking to meet patients whose sight loss could have been prevented had they presented for diagnosis earlier. I’m on a mission to increase glaucoma awareness, and I want to use this challenge to support it.”
Glaucoma UK’s Chief Executive, Joanne Creighton, said: “I am incredibly grateful to Nishani and her courage to raise funding for Glaucoma UK. It is truly inspiring to see her take on this challenge for her patients. Everyone at Glaucoma UK is humbled by her efforts to raise funding and awareness of the disease and her wish to do something epic for the charity.”
If Nishani’s efforts have inspired you to take on your own challenge for Glaucoma UK, please email fundraising@glaucoma.uk or call us on 01233 64 81 60.
