Fawley (28 April 2008) -- A recent donation of £600 by Esso and ExxonMobil Chemical at Fawley Refinery has enabled a Southampton-based charity to purchase medical and laboratory equipment to assist their world-class research into the prevention and treatment of blindness.

The Gift of Sight research team is based at Southampton General Hospital and led by Professor Andrew Lotery. They are dedicated to furthering the understanding of the causes and treatments for blinding diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the commonest cause of blindness in the UK.

The researchers work with blood samples stored at temperatures as low as -80^oC and the donation was used to purchase protective cryogenic gloves, freezer racks and storage boxes as well as a refrigerator for the storage of DNA extraction chemicals.

Angela Cree, laboratory manager at the Gift of Sight Research Centre, said: "We were very pleased to receive the refinery's donation which has enabled us to buy items to support our important work. It's a sad fact that one in three of us in the western world will have a form of AMD by the age of 75 and with continuing support we aim to ensure vision into the future for those who are suffering today."

If you would like to know more about the fundraising activities of the Gift of Sight Appeal, visit their website at www.giftofsight.org.uk