When our CEO, Richard Woodward, set out on a challenging 10-day trek across the stunning Fann Mountains of Central Asia, he wasn’t just chasing adventure — he was walking with purpose. His mission? To raise awareness and vital funds for people living with macular disease, a condition that affects vision and independence for thousands across the UK.
Wearing his bright yellow Macular Society t-shirt, Richard took on the off-grid journey alongside his wife Wendy, trekking for up to eight hours a day and covering miles of rugged, breathtaking terrain. The experience raised more than £3,000 for the Macular Society, contributing to groundbreaking research and essential support services for those living with macular conditions.
“We Want to Do All We Can to Help Those Living with Macular Conditions.” Reflecting on the challenge, Richard shared: “Sight is so important, and research shows it’s one of the senses people value most. The more we can do to support those affected by macular conditions — whether that’s improving outcomes, preventing disease, or finding a cure — the better. It’s something I feel very passionate about.”
“We Want to Do All We Can to Help Those Living with Macular Conditions.”
Reflecting on the challenge, Richard shared: “Sight is so important, and research shows it’s one of the senses people value most. The more we can do to support those affected by macular conditions — whether that’s improving outcomes, preventing disease, or finding a cure — the better. It’s something I feel very passionate about.”
Richard’s trek was not just about endurance; it was about empathy. His personal connection to the cause runs deep — his father-in-law, Bill, was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) over 30 years ago. “I’ve seen first hand how conditions like AMD can impact daily life,” Richard said. “Bill has adapted amazingly well, but not everyone has that support. A cure would mean the world to him and so many others.” Experiencing Life from a New Perspective The journey through the Fann Mountains offered more than scenic views of glaciers, valleys, and snow-capped peaks. It was a humbling reminder of resilience and gratitude. “We were camping, washing in rivers, living off basic facilities — it was a great opportunity to meet new people and experience different ways of life,” Richard shared. “The people we met in the mountains were so welcoming and proud of their communities. It really put things into perspective.” SpaMedica’s Commitment to Eye Health and Community Support Earlier this year, SpaMedica partnered with the Macular Society, setting a company-wide goal to raise £5,000 to fund vital research and support services. Since then, SpaMedica colleagues have stepped up across the country — taking on fundraising challenges, hosting events, and joining Richard in supporting the cause. “We’re incredibly proud of what our team has achieved,” Richard said. “Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference. The Macular Society does outstanding work, and it’s an honour to play our part in helping people living with sight loss.” Inspiring Others to Take Action When asked what advice he’d give to others thinking about fundraising, Richard’s message was simple: “Just do something. It doesn’t matter what — whether it’s trekking a mountain, hosting a coffee morning, or sitting in a bath full of beans. What matters is why you’re doing it. It’s so rewarding to know you’re helping make a difference.” Together, We Can Make a Difference At SpaMedica, we’re proud to stand alongside organisations like the Macular Society in the fight against sight loss. Every step, donation, and conversation helps bring us closer to better treatments — and one day, a cure. If this research and support is something that is close to your heart, there’s still time to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/page/richard-woodward-5?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL If you’d like to learn more about how you can get involved or support the Macular Society’s vital work, visit www.macularsociety.org
Richard’s trek was not just about endurance; it was about empathy. His personal connection to the cause runs deep — his father-in-law, Bill, was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) over 30 years ago.
“I’ve seen first hand how conditions like AMD can impact daily life,” Richard said. “Bill has adapted amazingly well, but not everyone has that support. A cure would mean the world to him and so many others.”
Experiencing Life from a New Perspective
The journey through the Fann Mountains offered more than scenic views of glaciers, valleys, and snow-capped peaks. It was a humbling reminder of resilience and gratitude.
“We were camping, washing in rivers, living off basic facilities — it was a great opportunity to meet new people and experience different ways of life,” Richard shared. “The people we met in the mountains were so welcoming and proud of their communities. It really put things into perspective.”
SpaMedica’s Commitment to Eye Health and Community Support
Earlier this year, SpaMedica partnered with the Macular Society, setting a company-wide goal to raise £5,000 to fund vital research and support services. Since then, SpaMedica colleagues have stepped up across the country — taking on fundraising challenges, hosting events, and joining Richard in supporting the cause.
“We’re incredibly proud of what our team has achieved,” Richard said. “Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference. The Macular Society does outstanding work, and it’s an honour to play our part in helping people living with sight loss.”
Inspiring Others to Take Action
When asked what advice he’d give to others thinking about fundraising, Richard’s message was simple:
“Just do something. It doesn’t matter what — whether it’s trekking a mountain, hosting a coffee morning, or sitting in a bath full of beans. What matters is why you’re doing it. It’s so rewarding to know you’re helping make a difference.”
Together, We Can Make a Difference
At SpaMedica, we’re proud to stand alongside organisations like the Macular Society in the fight against sight loss. Every step, donation, and conversation helps bring us closer to better treatments — and one day, a cure.
If this research and support is something that is close to your heart, there’s still time to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/page/richard-woodward-5?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
If you’d like to learn more about how you can get involved or support the Macular Society’s vital work, visit www.macularsociety.org
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