A BISHOPSTOKE mum has raised more than £500 for charity by organising a party for 50 children.

Michelle Coombs came up with the idea for the event in support of Wobbly Wednesday – Nystagmus Awareness Day – and lots of local companies and businesses provided raffle and tombola prizes.

The mum-of-two wanted to raise awareness and funds for the Nystagmus Network because her four-year-old daughter, Kayra, suffers from the condition, which means her eyes repeatedly and involuntarily oscillate – making it hard to see.

“Kayra was diagnosed when she was seven months old,” said 33-year-old Michelle. “Although she copes well at the moment, the older she gets the more things she will struggle with.

“I wanted to raise money for Nystagmus Network, because they have just granted Southampton University Hospital £10,000 for research.

“The party went really well and we managed to raise £554.43, but mainly I wanted to raise awareness and let people know that they shouldn’t be afraid to ask about nystagmus, as we would rather people knew what the condition is and how it affects people.”

For more information visit nystagmusnet .org.

What is nystagmus?

Nystagmus is a complex condition where the eyes move involuntarily. This makes it harder to see. Few people with nystagmus drive and most face difficulties in everyday life.

Who gets nystagmus?

Every year hundreds of children are born with nystagmus, often with no known family history. Adults can develop nystagmus too, due to accidents or illnesses like stroke or MS.

What does the Nystagmus Network (NN) do?

NN funds research into nystagmus, provides information and support, raises awareness and educates people about the daily impact of nystagmus.