A Tromode teenager has donated ?660 to Manx Blind Welfare Society as a ‘thank you’ for the charity’s support of his cousin.

Conor Till raised the money through sponsorship when he took on his first-ever triathlon. He entered the demanding Sprint event in Ramsey alongside his stepdad and uncles, and decided it was a good way to raise money for the charity.

The 17-year-old’s cousin, Imogen Christian, had to start wearing glasses aged just three. Her condition required very strong prescription lenses, and the Society provided support and advice to Imogen’s family as she adapted to her new glasses.

Two years on, Imogen is in fulltime education and still benefiting from the Society’s support.

Conor, who finished 4th in his group of 13, explained: ‘Manx Blind Welfare Society’s support was invaluable for Imogen and her parents, and I wanted to do something to say thanks. Because of the charity’s work with Imogen, we’ve seen just how much the Society does for blind and visually impaired people across the Island and how it relies entirely on donations, fundraising and legacies.

‘This was my first triathlon, so it was quite a personal challenge, but it also seemed like a perfect opportunity to raise some money to donate to the Society to help it continue its important work.’

Society Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson added: ‘The Society provides support for hundreds of people in the Isle of Man with a wide range of differing sight issues, from those with newly-diagnosed impairment to people who have been blind since birth.

‘Our work relies entirely on the generosity of the Manx public and donations like Conor’s. We were thrilled he decided to raise money for us, and we’d like to congratulate him not only on the tremendous amount he raised, but also for his success in the triathlon.’

To find out more about MBWS, visit www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety. 

Photograph: (from left) Manx Blind Welfare Society Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson, Conor Till and his cousin Imogen Christian.