RP Action Man

Colin at the controls

Trustee Colin McArthur has always been prepared to stick his neck out for the charity, and is always trying to think of ways to raise awareness of both the organisation and of retinits pigmentosa. Today he reached new heights when in a great stunt he took the controls of an in-service cross-Solent catamaran, complete with passengers, some of whom even knew what was happening and still took their seats!

This was all thanks to the company Wightlink, who did us proud, and allowed us to collect on the ferries and catamarans too, making announcement and treating us as their sponsored charity for the day. For Colin, it was part of the launch of a new research project at Southampton General Hospital, where Prof. Lotery is looking at how cells from other parts of the eye might be used to generate photoreceptor cells for transplantation back into the retina. The local focus for fundraising is quite strong, even though the project will bring benefit, if successful, to people with RP around the country and abroad.

To me, the involvement of the company is important too. If we are to be successful in increasing our income (and so up the amount we can spend on research) we will have to create more relationships like this and then turn them into regular opportunities to showcase our work and raise money. I am very grateful for the way Wightlink took the proposal from Colin that he be let loose on their flagship seriously, and for the way they supported us on the day.

http://www.wightlink.co.uk

http://www.justgiving.com/catseyes

Colin has now piloted a hovercraft, flown a glider, taken the controls of a lifeboat, captained a passenger catamaran, and piloted a light aircraft. Colin is looking for the next challenge, if you can help set one up, let me know on 07720 444084.

Tags: catamaran, charity challenge, colin mcarthur, lotery, retinitis pigmentosa, southampton general hospital, stem cell research, wightlink