A LEADING sight loss charity has paid tribute to veteran volunteer Daphne Dorman, who has retired after 26 years as leader of the Oxford Macular Support Group.

Daphne, who lives in Woodstock, was honoured by the sight loss charity’s regional manager Tom McInulty, who presented her with a certificate and a bouquet of flowers at her final meeting as leader recently.

Daphne, who was diagnosed with macular disease in the late 1980s, has fulfilled almost every volunteer role with the Macular Society since becoming a member of the charity in 1989. She founded the Oxford Macular Support Group in 1992, holding the first meeting in her house.

She said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as leader and I’m pleased that so many people with macular disease living locally have benefited from the peer support the group offers.

“The best thing has been meeting lots of lovely people. Some members have been coming for a very long time – one was even at the very first meeting 26 years ago – so they are friends more than anything.

“One of the group’s members is going to be taking over from me as leader, although I will still be going along to meetings whenever I can. But it’s excellent to know that the group will continue and that it’s in good hands.”

Tom McInulty, Macular Society regional manager, said: “We can’t thank Daphne enough for all of the incredible work she has done for us over the years. On behalf of everyone at the Macular Society, I’d like to wish her a very happy retirement.

“The existence of our macular support groups has never been more important. It’s good to be able to learn from each other’s experiences and get tips. The peer support can be so helpful. Our groups can really help people increase in confidence and become more independent.”

The group – one of more than 400 of its kind in the UK – meets four times a year at the North Oxford Association Community Centre. It offers information, encouragement and friendship to people who are affected by the disease.