Published on: 13 October 2025
Bright colours filled the streets of Sunderland on Saturday as a wave of participants joined the “All Eyes on You Walk,” a fundraiser led by STS Charity in support of eye care in the region.
Held on Saturday 11th October, the walk brought together 35 patients, NHS staff, Trust leaders and members of the public for a symbolic journey from Sunderland Eye Infirmary to the future site of the city's new Eye Hospital.
With a vibrant twist, walkers were encouraged to wear something bright and bold to raise awareness for eye care and celebrate the life changing work of Sunderland Eye Infirmary.
The event raised over £1,200 so far in support of the Vision Appeal, a campaign led by STS Charity, the official charity of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. All funds will help provide cutting-edge equipment and technology that enhance patient care beyond the core build of the new Eye Hospital.
Leading the walk was Flynn Bradford, aged 8 whose visual impairment was first identified during a routine school screening when he was six. Flynn was referred to Sunderland Eye Infirmary in January 2023, where he received expert care. His mother, Louise Bradford, shared:
“Flynn received top-class treatment from the team at the Eye Infirmary after his visual impairment was picked up during routine testing at school. The move to the new Eye Hospital will be transformational for the many thousands of patients the Trust treats each year. To be able to take part in this walk to raise money and further enhance the facilities it offers is the least we can do to say thank you for the support provided to improve Flynn’s sight.”
Participants enjoyed pre-walk family activities, received tailored fundraising packs (including special children’s packs for mini walkers), and were treated to a complimentary breakfast at the Holiday Inn, courtesy of the hotel.
Among those taking part was Allison Thompson, Chair of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, joined by her husband Sean Thompson, a former patient of the Eye Infirmary. Sean shared:
“I’ll always be deeply indebted to Sunderland Eye Infirmary, especially to Consultant Maged Habib and his brilliant team. Without their input almost 10 years ago, I would have lost the sight in my left eye, with no doubt life-changing consequences.
“In those last 10 years, I’ve been blessed to have done and seen incredible things, all thanks to them. Supporting Sunderland’s new Eye Hospital is such a worthy cause and is such a jewel in the crown for the City of Sunderland.”
Nichola Taylor, Head of STS Charity added:
“It was a brilliant way to get people together in support of the Vision Appeal. The atmosphere was fantastic, and it was inspiring to see so many people in our community walking side by side for such an important cause. It was clear from all of the individual stories and examples of care just how needed our new Eye Hospital is. We already know the care delivered is world-class so it’s vital we do all we can to make sure the building and facilities are the very best they can be too.”
To find out more about the Vision Appeal visit www.stsft.nhs.uk/our-charity/appeals-campaigns/vision-appeal.You can also donate by texting EYE and your donation amount to 70580. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message. Go to donr.com for further terms & conditions.
