Flossie standing in the Richard Desmond Children's Eye Centre, smiling at the camera in front of a colourful wall

Florence has been working as a play specialist at the Richard Desmond Children’s Eye Centre for an incredible 21 years. Moorfields means a lot to Flossie, as not only is she a member of staff but she has also been a patient from the age of five.

Flossie took on a wing walk on 18 September 2021 to fundraise for Moorfields Eye Charity as she wanted to support the wonderful work they do to help young patients. When she came to Moorfields herself as a child, Flossie strongly remembers Mary, the play leader at the time and how she has happy memories of her treatment because of the support she received from her. 

What do we do to support young patients at Moorfields?

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We’re proud to fund a variety of projects related to children’s eye conditions. We have supported Dr Tessa Dekker and Dr Pete Jones in the Child Vision Lab. They conduct research which investigates how children’s sight develops and how to improve eye tests for children.

We’ve also funded Dr Annegret Dahlmann-Noor, who is a consultant ophthalmologist with expertise in children’s eye conditions. This included a grant to set up a Young People’s Advisory Group, which is a group of 13 young people who learn about research and work with researchers to inform the research process. Dr Dahlmann-Noor has also been funded to look at future pathways for children’s eye services, which will investigate the use of smartphones for referral by GPs and optometrists.

Taking on a wing walk is Flossie’s biggest fundraising challenge yet. She is also a regular Eye to Eye walker and has even abseiled the ArcelorMittal Orbit previously to raise funds for Moorfields- what a superstar!

I am very nervous about the wing walk, but also excited. Fundraising is so important as it’s a way of raising money, awareness and helps research and fund new equipment which is much needed. I think when you do things for charity, it’s good to push your limits and challenge yourself- for me, this is a big challenge as I don’t like fast rides or heights!

Florence Donovan, play specialist

Thank you Flossie for your continued dedication to fundraising as part of #TeamMoorfields- you raised an incredible £520. We think you are amazing and think you are so brave for taking on the wing walk- you are braver than we are!