Diane Louise Jordan Gets Behind Sightsavers Sunday

BBC Songs of Praise presenter Diane Louise Jordan has lent her support to this year's Sightsavers Sunday to raise awareness of the 37 million blind people in the world today.

Sightsavers Sunday is being organised by Sightsavers International, one of the UK's leading blindness charities, to mark World Sight Day on 14 October.

The charity is inviting churches across the UK to take part by joining together in worship and holding a special Sunday service on 14 October featuring prayers for the blind or visually impaired, particularly in developing countries.

"I was shocked to learn there are approximately 37 million blind people in the world, yet 75 per cent of all blindness is preventable," said Jordan.

"World Sight Day takes place every year to draw attention to these staggering facts, and your church can help mark the occasion by holding a Sightsavers Sunday service.

"It would be fantastic if you could get involved, your themed prayers, readings and hymns would mean so much."

According to Sightsavers, blind people or the visually impaired in developing countries are often "marginalised within their own communities, consequently making them at greater risk of social exclusion and isolation". Blind people in less affluent countries are often left to go without an education making it difficult for them to support themselves.

As part of Sightsavers Sunday, the charity has suggested that churches use the issue of blindness as a springboard to more discussions on wider disability issues in developing countries.

Sightsavers has transformed the lives of millions of blind and visually impaired people around the world, including 39-year-old Josephine in Cameroon who was left unable to support herself or her family when she lost her sight.

Four of her children were forced to live with her sister. The one son who remained with her had to drop out of school in order to look after her.

When an outreach screening unit supported by Sightsavers visited Josephine's village, it gave her the chance to find back her sight and her life. Josephine was diagnosed as having cataract in both eyes, a condition which causes a clouding in the eye lens but is easily treatable. A simple 20-minute operation costs just £17. Now Josephine's sight has been fully restored and she can look after herself and her children once again.

A special themed pack has been created for Sightsavers Sunday, including suggestions for appropriate songs, readings, activities and a DVD, which can be obtained by calling 01275 349 881