Friday, 04 July 2014 12:01
Paraplanner's Mad Hatter night for pal who lost eyesight
Alice in Wonderland is not what most people would associate with one of London's most famous landmarks and business sites.
Yet, the Mad Hatter will be present at the Gherkin later this month, in a manner of speaking, for an event organised by the director of a Paraplanning firm inspired by her friend who lost his eyesight virtually overnight.
Cathi Harrison, founder and director of Para-Sols, has put together a fundraising party for pal Matt Levington, who was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease which left him unable to read or drive.
Mr Levington, in his early 20s, and who works for Cofunds, has Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. The disease, a relatively unknown condition, suddenly took hold, apparently out of the blue.
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Ms Harrison said: "For someone so young to have their vision taken away from them so abruptly is incredibly sad but Matt has dealt with it brilliantly and we'd love to be able to support the charity Fighting Blindness in their search for a cure and providing support to LHON sufferers.
"Although initially devastated, Matt has dealt with it amazingly, and is still as sporty as ever, while also fund raising and has even managed to return back to work part-time at Cofunds."
Of the event, she said: "Its' a great opportunity to visit the top of the Gherkin and support an amazing charity at the same time.
"All will be revealed on the evening but it is a Mad Hatter theme - not at all a reflection on the organiser.
"So the dress code is playing cards i.e. black and red - unless you really want to dress up as a joker.
"So please come along, have some summer fun, and support a charity helping LHON sufferers."
For more and to donate visit these sites www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mad-hatter-champagne-tea-party-tickets-11969498091 and www.justgiving.com/CathiandVicky
Yet, the Mad Hatter will be present at the Gherkin later this month, in a manner of speaking, for an event organised by the director of a Paraplanning firm inspired by her friend who lost his eyesight virtually overnight.
Cathi Harrison, founder and director of Para-Sols, has put together a fundraising party for pal Matt Levington, who was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease which left him unable to read or drive.
Mr Levington, in his early 20s, and who works for Cofunds, has Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. The disease, a relatively unknown condition, suddenly took hold, apparently out of the blue.
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Ms Harrison said: "For someone so young to have their vision taken away from them so abruptly is incredibly sad but Matt has dealt with it brilliantly and we'd love to be able to support the charity Fighting Blindness in their search for a cure and providing support to LHON sufferers.
"Although initially devastated, Matt has dealt with it amazingly, and is still as sporty as ever, while also fund raising and has even managed to return back to work part-time at Cofunds."
Of the event, she said: "Its' a great opportunity to visit the top of the Gherkin and support an amazing charity at the same time.
"All will be revealed on the evening but it is a Mad Hatter theme - not at all a reflection on the organiser.
"So the dress code is playing cards i.e. black and red - unless you really want to dress up as a joker.
"So please come along, have some summer fun, and support a charity helping LHON sufferers."
For more and to donate visit these sites www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mad-hatter-champagne-tea-party-tickets-11969498091 and www.justgiving.com/CathiandVicky
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