Fantastic fundraising success thanks to BBC Lifeline viewers

The BBC Lifeline Appeal was screened on 22 July 2018 and has been a great success for Living Paintings. Fronted by actor and musician Martin Kemp, who warmly conveyed the work we do and how we do it, the appeal featured three of our wonderful beneficiaries: Tayen, Ted and Sue. Through the appeal, our profile has been raised nationally and we signed up 22 new library members as well as achieving coverage on local websites and news outlets. As at October 2018, £37,190 has been raised – we are delighted with this incredible total, which will enable Living Paintings to create and provide Touch to See books across the UK.

The cascade of positive feedback we have received since the appeal in July 2018 includes:

“We wanted to let you know what richness and joy you have brought to the life of our daughter through these books and audio recordings. Life is so much more fun when you feel included in the thrill of reading.”

“I had no idea such a charity or such books existed before I saw the appeal and it really moved me. My dad had MS and his eyesight was extremely poor but he loved books on tape, so I know a little of what a difference it makes having access to books through different mediums.”

We are thrilled that thanks to the campaign, not only have we raised a terrific amount of money but we have also extended our library membership and our number of regular volunteers. We are overwhelmed by the messages coming through by post and online in support of our work, which has resonated with so many people. Thanks to the BBC Lifeline appeal, we have raised further awareness about the needs of blind and partially sighted people like Ted, Tayen and Sue and our Touch to See books that bring them such joy.