Steven Howarth will be trekking the Sahara to raise funds
Steven Howarth joins 'Trek The Sahara'
26 June 2008
Steven Howarth, the 18 year old pioneering patient in the recent trials of gene therapy as a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa, will be trekking across the Sahara desert next year.
Steven, a student at Wigan and Leigh College, was born with RP, an eye condition which gave him limited sight in bright lights and at night. The condition is caused by a faulty gene which causes cells in his retina to degenerate.
The clinical trial, which dramatically improved his night sight, was partly funded by RP Fighting Blindness. To express his gratitude, Steven is raising sponsorship for the 100km trip across the Sahara desert in March 2009.
He said: "It will definitely be a gruelling journey, but one which I am hugely excited about. The idea came up at an RP meeting. It was suggested to all those present, including myself, and I was happy to sign up for it."
During the clinical trial Steven received an injection into the back of his right eye with copies of a healthy gene, which has given Steven a huge improvement in his ability to see at night time.
Steven said: "Not only has the treatment vastly improved my vision, but it has given me a boost of confidence as I now feel more independent.
"The hope for other sufferers is very encouraging as research goes on, but, of course, they rely heavily on donations."
For more details on how to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/stevenhowarth.
Donations can also be sent in the post to 8 Fairhaven Avenue, Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 3HE. All cheques should be made payable to RP Fighting Blindness.
Steven, a student at Wigan and Leigh College, was born with RP, an eye condition which gave him limited sight in bright lights and at night. The condition is caused by a faulty gene which causes cells in his retina to degenerate.
The clinical trial, which dramatically improved his night sight, was partly funded by RP Fighting Blindness. To express his gratitude, Steven is raising sponsorship for the 100km trip across the Sahara desert in March 2009.
He said: "It will definitely be a gruelling journey, but one which I am hugely excited about. The idea came up at an RP meeting. It was suggested to all those present, including myself, and I was happy to sign up for it."
During the clinical trial Steven received an injection into the back of his right eye with copies of a healthy gene, which has given Steven a huge improvement in his ability to see at night time.
Steven said: "Not only has the treatment vastly improved my vision, but it has given me a boost of confidence as I now feel more independent.
"The hope for other sufferers is very encouraging as research goes on, but, of course, they rely heavily on donations."
For more details on how to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/stevenhowarth.
Donations can also be sent in the post to 8 Fairhaven Avenue, Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 3HE. All cheques should be made payable to RP Fighting Blindness.
