Inspiring mum is in line for top award
AN inspirational volunteer has been recognised for her work with the Macular Society by being shortlisted for one of the charity’s top national awards.
Pam Hodgkiss, who was diagnosed with Stargardt disease in her early 20s, is leader of the Macclesfield Macular Support Group which offers information, encouragement and friendship to people living locally affected by macular disease and other sight loss conditions.
The former physiotherapist is also one of the Macular Society’s ‘Skills for Seeing’ trainers, helping people to make the most of their remaining vision.
Pam, who lives in Tytherington, has now been nominated for this year’s Macular Society Awards for Excellence and shortlisted for the Chairman’s Award for Volunteering.
She said: “It’s the first time I’ve ever been nominated for anything like this and it was a really nice surprise.
“I’ve know about the Macular Society since it was in its infancy in the late 1980s. My mother was a member, and my brother also has Stargardt disease, but I didn’t really think about getting involved at that time myself.
“When mum passed away in 2011, I decided it was time for me to become a member. The following year, the Macclesfield Macular Support Group launched.”
Pam served as secretary and treasurer of the group, based at Macclesfield United Reformed Church on Townley Street, before becoming its leader after her retirement three years ago.
She is also a trustee of Macclesfield Eye Society and volunteers at Macclesfield District General Hospital’s macular clinic every week.
Pam, 58, said: “Since I retired I’ve been busier than ever, but I really enjoy all of the volunteering activities I’m involved in.
“It’s a great reward to see someone with a macular condition grow in confidence and start doing things they thought they might not do again, such as going on holiday on their own.
“The group is a great place for companionship – it lets people with macular disease know that they’re not alone.
“It’s really important to know they don’t have to be isolated. There are others out there who really understand their situation and can help.”
The awards ceremony will be held at the Macular Society’s national annual conference in September.