Dame Judi Dench becomes Patron of the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund

World-renowned actor of film and stage, Dame Judi Dench, has become Patron of the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund, aimed at supporting research into vision loss and blindness.

Established by the University of York, in partnership with Hull York Medical School (HYMS), the Fund is celebrating its one-year anniversary of raising funds for research into age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a progressive eye disease that impacts approximately 700,000 older adults in the UK.

As a result of charitable donations, the Fund is appointing two postgraduate researchers - one Masters of Science (MSc) student and one PhD researcher.

Dame Judi Dench, Patron of the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund, said: "I was pleased to be asked to be a Patron of the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund. York holds a special place in my heart as I was born and raised in the city, and I was delighted to learn that the fund will boost the first class research being done by Hull York Medical School and the University of York on early diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration."

Dame Judi’s versatile career in film, television, and stage, includes her Oscar winning role in Shakespeare in Love and her much-loved portrayal of M in the James Bond movies. An honorary graduate of the University of York, she has spoken publicly about her AMD diagnosis and how she has adapted her life to address some of the challenges it presents.

AMD impacts the central area of vision, and although it does not result in total blindness, it can make activities such as reading, driving, watching television, and recognising faces difficult.

Ashley Burgess OBE, Founding Donor to the Fund, said: "A 2023 government report highlighted that the prevalence of AMD and glaucoma is much higher in Yorkshire and the Humber compared to the rest of England, and so when we learnt of the importance of research in early diagnosis and treatment, we saw an opportunity to start a fund to support this critical work in Yorkshire."

Professor Matthias Ruth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, said: "We are excited to mark the first year in the life of the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund, by naming Dame Judi Dench as its Patron.  Her understanding of the condition and empathy with those who are living with AMD make a significant contribution to highlighting the need for more investment in research, which will serve as a basis for improved diagnosis and treatments."

Professor Richard Gale, Professor of Ophthalmology at Hull York Medical School, said:  "There is a real need for further research funding to help us to gain a better understanding of the disease, support earlier detection and better treatments.

"Our research has already shown that early detection of wet AMD can lead to better vision and quality of life years after its identification.

“We strive to improve the lives of people with AMD through research, and it is also important to develop and inspire researchers of the future."

To support the Fund or learn more about upcoming events, please visit the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund website.

Media contact: Samantha Martin, University of York Press Office, at s.martin@york.ac.uk or +44(0)1904 322029 

Image credit: Robert Wilson