Michael Wade OBE raises over £170,000 for Moorfields Eye Charity
4 July 2024
Michel Wade OBE, a long-standing supporter of Moorfields Eye Charity, recently combined his passion for music with his commitment to eye health research in a unique celebration to raise money for our cause.
To mark his 70th birthday, Michael conducted the South Bank Sinfonia Orchestra in a performance of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, fulfilling a personal ambition and supporting a cause close to his heart.
With a distinguished career spanning nearly five decades in the London insurance market, Michael Wade has held numerous high-profile positions.
He served as the Crown Representative for Insurance at the UK Cabinet Office from 2013 to 2015, advising on insurance and reinsurance risks.
Currently, he is the Chairman of Helios Underwriting plc and a Senior Advisor to Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance.
Michael’s contributions to the government and economy were recognised with an OBE in 2018, underscoring the impact of his work in both the public and private sectors.
Southbank Sinfonia rehearsing the Beethoven 5th Symphony at St John’s Smith Square with Michael Wade.
The event, held on 22 May, was attended by over 250 guests, including prominent figures from the insurance and political sectors, showcased Michael’s dedication to advancing eye care.
This concert builds upon his previous fundraising efforts, including a similar event for his 60th birthday in 2014 when he conducted the Saint Saens Organ Symphony.
The funds raised will support Moorfields’ research, including the use of genomics and AI and, where possible, projects under the direction of Professor Anthony Khawaja.
Professor Khawaja, a consultant at Moorfields and glaucoma specialist, has conducted landmark studies identifying glaucoma’s complex genetic causes.
His team is now integrating genomic prediction models with AI to transform glaucoma management, potentially enabling earlier detection, targeted treatments, and personalised care.
Professor Anthony Khawaja, Moorfields Eye Hospital
The event also showcased the lasting impact of Michael’s prior fundraising efforts.
Attendees were updated on Professor Jim Bainbridge’s research into gene therapies for an inherited sight loss condition affecting children.
This pioneering work, funded by Michael’s 60th birthday concert, has significantly transformed the lives of affected children and their families.
Guests were also played a video featuring Michael interviewing Professor Bainbridge and Professor Khawaja about their work, which you can view below.
If you’d like to make a donation in support of Michael’s concert and leading-edge research like Professor Khawaja’s, please contact Sam Holmes, philanthropy manager, at samantha.holmes31@nhs.net.
You can find out more about Professor Bainbridge and Professor Khawaja’s work here:
