Thanks for your support this Christmas

As we step into a new year, our Individual Giving & Legacy Manager Julie Hocking shares her special message of thanks to all those who helped us raise vital funds this Christmas.

I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible generosity you all showed throughout 2024. Every single donation has a life-long impact for those living with sight loss and we can’t thank you enough for your continued support.

Before we look to the exciting year ahead, I want to celebrate your incredible support over the festive period.

This Christmas more than 300 of you donated to support our work. Thanks to your generosity, we're on track to raise an amazing £30,000. This funding is already helping us transform lives of people living with sight loss.

The difference your support makes

Last year, BWBF provided 4,202 audio devices to people and families: a huge increase from the 2,491 devices we distributed in 2023. That’s thousands more people who now have access to entertainment, news, and connection, helping to reduce isolation and improve their quality of life.

Each device, whether a specially adapted radio or an Alexa Echo Show, is a lifeline to someone who needs it. And every donation you’ve made plays a vital role in making this happen.

Your generosity also supported people like Laura and her young daughter, Daphne, whose story was at the heart of our Christmas Appeal.

Laura and Daphne’s story

Laura grew up with sight loss and often felt isolated, struggling to access the same books, news, and entertainment as her peers. Now, as a mother to Daphne, who was born partially sighted, she’s determined to give her daughter a different experience.

The Echo Show device, provided free by BWBF, has helped Laura and Daphne find connection and joy. From turning stressful mealtimes into happy moments with Daphne’s favourite songs, to providing comfort during quiet times, the device has been life-changing for their family.

As Laura told us, “It’s a massive part of her life. That sound of music—all thanks to BWBF!”

An Echo Show device costs £75, and thanks to your generosity, we’re able to provide them to people like Laura and Daphne free of charge.

An exciting year ahead

Looking ahead, we’re determined to make 2025 an even bigger year for BWBF. Our goal is to reach more people than ever before, ensuring that no one with sight loss feels isolated or disconnected. We'll be undertaking our deepest-ever research to get a true understanding of the audio needs of people living with sight loss today. With your continued support, we’ll introduce new services and innovative audio devices that meet these evolving needs.

Together with supporters like you, we will ensure that every person we support feels empowered, informed, and connected.

Thank you for your life-changing support

Achieving these ambitious goals is only possible thanks to supporters like you. The demand for our services continues to grow, and every donation, no matter the size, plays a crucial role in helping us meet that demand. Whether it’s funding a single device, supporting delivery and training, or enabling us to develop new technologies, your kindness makes a lasting impact.

As we set our sights on the year ahead, we’re inspired by the difference we’ve already made together. Because of you, thousands of people are starting the year feeling less isolated, more connected, and more hopeful. Together, we can build on this momentum and ensure that even more people benefit from the life-changing services BWBF provides.

On behalf of everyone at BWBF and all the individuals and families we support, thank you for your continued generosity and belief in our mission. We’re excited about what we can achieve together in 2025 and beyond.

Here’s to another year of making a difference, together!

Julie Hocking, Individual Giving and Legacy Manager