ALTRINCHAM and Sale West MP, Graham Brady has praised the work of Henshaws, at Altrincham Eye Hospital, and said its services are 'invaluable'.

Graham Brady visited the hospital to gain an insight into the impact that Henshaws' patient support team has on people learning about their sight loss diagnosis, and the transition they provide to enable people to overcome their own visual impairment.

It is a charity that supports people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to achieve their ambitions and go beyond expectations.

He met Gail Brett, Henshaws’ patient support officer, Fiona Ashcroft, the director of fundraising, staff at the hospital and Henshaws' volunteer, Ian Thompson.

Graham said “You cannot underestimate the importance of the work that Gail and the other patient support officers do at the hospital. Receiving a sight loss diagnosis can be an incredibly difficult time and having somebody there to provide expert support and advice is invaluable.”

The charity works across Greater Manchester and provides patient support services at Altrincham Eye Hospital and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

This year, Henshaws is celebrating its 180th Anniversary by looking back at the wide range of people they have supported since 1837.

Throughout September and October. they have an exhibition space in Manchester Central Library to show how the communities of Greater Manchester have worked alongside Henshaws to improve the lives of people with sight loss. To find out more about the exhibition, visit www.henshaws.org.uk/history.