Mayobridge woman Aoife’s ‘Sight Towards the Summit’ challenge raises over £45,500 for sight loss charity RNIB
Aoife with younger sister Megan and her Mum and Dad at the bottom of Ben Nevis.
This May, 28 year old Aoife McGlade from Mayobridge (in Northern Ireland), alongside family and friends, took on an incredible challenge to raise funds for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB): climbing the highest peaks across the UK and Ireland.
Aoife and her team have now raised £45,586 for the charity - a cause ‘deeply personal’ to Aoife, who was diagnosed with a condition affecting her central vision at age 13.
Aoife said, “Sight loss can affect anyone at any stage of life. I began noticing that I had to look very closely at textbooks, papers, anything I was reading. My mum took me for an eye test, and that’s when we discovered that both I and my younger brother, who was 11 at the time, have a form of macular degeneration called Stargardt”.
“For me, living with Stargardt Disease has brought its challenges, from navigating daily life, education and friendships, to finding my place in the workplace. But I’ve also discovered the incredible support RNIB offers to people like me, and so many other families.
“Over the last five or six years, I've noticed a small change in my sight. Day-to-day moving around hasn't been much different, but I notice the biggest change in the workspace. While I've learned how to look after my eyes - taking breaks, wearing sunglasses, and following the 20/20/20 rule to reduce eye strain - I rely on screen reading software, and text magnifiers in a work setting. It's been a process of figuring things out over time, and I'm still adjusting.
“For example, as part of a recent graduate scheme, I was seconded to companies across the UK and Switzerland. The travel meant navigating airports and train stations alone, a huge milestone in my independence. I remember feeling overwhelmed with doubt and questioning whether I could really do it. Around that time, RNIB launched their 'See the Person, Not the Sight Loss' campaign. Watching the video gave me a real sense of reassurance, I felt understood and represented.’
“RNIB has been a guide through those moments of doubt and uncertainty. Their helpline provided advice about workplace accommodations and public transport entitlements when I needed it most. Their Employment Advisors helped me see my strengths, rebuild my confidence, and find a way forward. Their campaigns, like “See the Person, Not the Sight Loss,” reminded me that my condition doesn’t define me — it’s just one part of my story. I realised that barriers can be overcome by having the confidence to ask for help and stating what I need.”
“It’s not just individuals who need support, sight loss impacts families too. The RNIB offers resources and guidance to help loved ones understand and adapt, ensuring that no one feels alone. They help families like ours navigate the emotional and practical aspects of sight loss, fostering understanding and resilience.”
“Growing up near the Mournes, I’ve always loved being in the mountains. The way up is okay, it’s coming down which is a bit trickier with my sight and depth perception, so dad’s backpack was held onto quite a bit!
But this challenge wasn’t just about climbing mountains; it’s about breaking down barriers. Every donation will fund the RNIB’s vital services, from their helpline to their Eye Care Liaison Officers who provide immediate support to people newly diagnosed with sight loss and their families.
“I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us to raise this unbelievable amount. I would like to say a particular thanks to all of my sister’s wonderful colleagues and management at Options Technology, some of whom joined us for the Mourne Seven Sevens, and contributed an astounding £33,893 in total.
Together, we can create a world where everyone sees the person, not the sight loss. Thank you for your support — it means the world to me!”
For further information on support available from RNIB, visit rnib.org.uk, call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999, or email [email protected].
Notes to Editor
For further media queries
Contact Kirsty Campbell, email [email protected] or call 07702 856686.
Details of Aoife’s ‘Sight Towards the Summit’ challenge
- First Weekend in May: The Three Peaks Challenge in Scotland, England, and Wales — Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon.
- Second Weekend in May: The Three highest Peaks of Munster, Connacht and Leinster in Ireland - Carrauntoohil, Mweelrea, and Lugnaquilla.
- Third Weekend in May: The Mourne Mountains 7/7s Challenge in Ulster Northern Ireland - a beautiful hike summiting seven peaks in a single day.
