Local man's life 'on hold' as he waits for transplant at Norfolk Hospital
In June, Wrentham's Ben Cronin was put on the waiting list for a cornea transplant, at the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston
A local man is telling us his life is 'on hold' as he waits for a cornea transplant to take place in Gorleston.
Ben Cronin from Wrentham in North Suffolk has been on the list for four months, and has given up his job as his sight loss worsens.
He is one of more than 4,000 people in England who are currently living with sight loss, according to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT)
Official data shows that The number of cornea donors fell by 3% between this year and last.
NHSBT say it needs 70 donors a week (140 corneas) to ensure there are enough corneas continuously available.
The average age of patients was 66 - received a cornea transplant, including more than 700 under 50s and 32 children*.
"A couple of days ago I was nearly knocked down by a Lorry, because I just couldn't see"
Ben has keratoconus, a progressive eye condition where his cornea, the clear layer at the front of the eye, becomes thinner and bulges into a cone shape.
He tells us day to day life is tough and getting trickier:
"It's almost a desperation for me now because every day my vision seems to be getting worse. A fear that was confirmed by my most recent eye test. There's now that sense of just wanting to get the treatment done now".
"Living like this for me can actually be quite dangerous. So, when I'm just crossing the road if it's really bright I mis-judge where vehicles are and only a couple of days ago I was nearly knocked down by a Lorry, because I just couldn't see".
Ben’s dad – also called Ben - sadly died in 2011 and donated his corneas to give the gift of sight to two people:
Ben says of his dad: “When he first became unwell, we thought it was just a simple cold. Over the next few days, his condition worsened. Despite every effort made to save him, life support was withdrawn and he passed away peacefully.
“It was a very difficult time for all of us, especially as my mum had already suffered two heart attacks in the six months before. We were all exhausted, emotionally and physically.
“Organ and tissue donation was something our family had always supported and spoken about openly. We were able to confirm that it was what he would have wanted. The decision felt natural and right.
“I feel immensely proud of my dad and comforted by the knowledge that he helped others. Donation did not take away the pain of losing him, but it gave that loss meaning. It is something that continues to make me proud every single day.
“As someone who is now waiting for a cornea transplant myself, the connection feels even more personal. It is humbling to be on both sides of donation — as part of a donor family and as a future recipient.”
"Thousands of people are waiting for eye surgery"
Kyle Bennett, Assistant Director - Tissue and Eye Services at NHS Blood and Transplant says:
“By agreeing to donate your corneas, you can transform the life of someone who hasn’t been able to see their family properly or live a normal life.
"Thousands of people are waiting for eye surgery which can transform their sight and their life. Giving the gift of sight is incredibly powerful and lifechanging.
“There are not enough cornea donations to help those waiting for a life changing transplant. Please consider leaving an amazing legacy of the gift of sight by agreeing to donate your corneas. Join the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your family.”