Polegate teenager’s three aerial jumps to raise money for Fight for Sight

Nathan Dunbar, 17, was diagnosed with keratoconus in both of his eyes five years ago after a routine eye check-up with his optician.

This condition means that the normally round dome-shaped clear window of the eye (cornea) progressively thins, causing a cone-like bulge to develop.

This results in poor vision, and currently there is no cure.

Nathan has had four surgeries to help slow down the progression of the disease and attempt to correctly reshape his corneas.

Nathan has been taking on challenge events and raising money for Fight for Sight since his diagnosis and the pandemic has not stopped him.

In August, Nathan skydived 15,000 feet over Salisbury Plains and in September he dropped 430ft from the Viewing Tower of the British Airways i360 in Brighton.

Nathan said: “I think it is very important to raise money for research into such an uncertain eye condition that affects so many people – many of whom are under the age of 20. I was so pleased to reach my fundraising target of £1500 for the year.

“Now more than ever, charities like Fight for Sight need our help, as the Covid-19 pandemic has hugely affected their fundraising income.

“I know that by raising this money, I am helping to fund research into a new and more effective treatment for keratoconus, which will transform the lives of people like me.”

Sarah Campion, director of engagement at Fight for Sight, said: “We are so grateful to Nathan for taking on these two challenges and fundraising for us.

“Eye research was already a hugely underfunded area and this has only been made worse during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s through our fantastic supporters like Nathan sticking by us during this difficult time that we will be able to continue the fight against sight loss.

“We know that researchers are on the cusp of breakthroughs and we can’t let Covid-19 affect our long-term mission – to create a world everyone can see.”