That’s what Friends are for!

Tiffany and her guide dog Iris

Dorset Blind Association knows just what it means to get a little help from its friends.

The charity, which helps more than 1,000 people a month living with visual impairment, has recently received a £3,000 donation from the Friends of the Bournemouth Eye Unit at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

“We appreciate all our donations, but this money is particularly vital as it helps fund the post of Tiffany Deacon, our Eye Clinic Support Officer who is herself visually impaired,” says Dorset Blind Association chief executive officer Jonathan Holyhead.

The help desk provides non-medical support and information to people who are newly diagnosed with severe sight loss, or whose condition is worsening.

“The Friends are extremely impressed with the invaluable work carried out by Tiffany and Iris in the Outpatients department of the Eye Unit and are delighted to provide annual financial support to help to enable this to continue,” says Margaret Neville, chair of the Friends of the Bournemouth Eye Unit.

Dorset Blind Association receives no regular government funding and relies heavily on donations, grants and legacies. To help it call Jonathan Holyhead on 01202 712869 or visit www.dorsetblind.org.uk or send a donation to 17 Bournemouth Road, Lower Parkstone, Poole , BH14 0EF.