Befriending service renamed in memory of Marilyn Lee following £1m gift

The Macular Society’s befriending service, which offers vital connection and friendship to those living with sight loss, has been renamed in memory of Marilyn Lee who received support after being diagnosed with macular disease.  

Marilyn struggled with macular disease for many years and following a generous gift from the Hearn Foundation, founded by Marilyn’s brother Peter Hearn, the service will now be known as the Befriending Service in Memory of Marilyn Lee.

Marilyn Lee (née Hearn), who died last year, was diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration in 2013. The diagnosis came as a huge shock as neither she nor her husband had heard of the condition. As well as having a profound impact on her life, her condition also affected the lives of her family, including her two children and four grandchildren.  

Vital information and support 

But, thanks to information from health care professionals and support and advice provided by the Macular Society, they were able to better understand and manage the impact of the condition. This invaluable support, which came at a time of great fear and uncertainty, is what inspired the transformational £1m gift in her memory.  

Marilyn’s husband David Lee, said: “Understanding and education greatly helped Marilyn. This gave her the courage and strength to face the challenge of wet macular degeneration head on, with a smile and determination. Although this condition was a setback in her life plans she had the support of not only her family, but also her consultant and counsellors. Marilyn learned to live with the condition rather than be defined by it.”  

He added: “The support provided by organisations, healthcare professionals and volunteers was invaluable.  Marilyn was better informed and understood her condition. This allowed her to adapt to the challenges it presented.” 

More support for people with macular disease 

The Hearn Foundation’s generous gift will fund the service for the next 10 years, meaning anyone affected by a macular condition can benefit from regular connection, companionship and support when they need it most.   

Talking about the moment Marilyn was diagnosed, David said: “We were initially in a state of daze as we left the surgery. We went home and tried to fully comprehend this life-changing diagnosis. Our first reaction was fear as many questions were unanswerable.   

“Second was apprehension and uncertainty about the future.  What we took for granted, the gift of sight, was now in abeyance.”  

But, despite the uncertainty David said Marilyn was determined not to let the condition define her.  

“She had the determination and the strength of will to battle against this condition,” he said.  

Marilyn's legacy 

David said Marilyn would have been delighted to know that her family's gift would help support others facing a similar diagnosis.  

He said: “Marilyn would have been deeply touched that Peter is able to make such a significant donation to the Macular Society. She understood the value of the support and information the Macular Society provides and would have been delighted to know that this gift could help others affected by macular degeneration.”  

Ed Holloway, chief executive of the Macular Society, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Hearn Foundation for this remarkably generous gift and for choosing to honour Marilyn Lee in this way. A diagnosis of macular disease can be scary and overwhelming but we have seen first hand how the right support at the right time through services like befriending can make such a positive difference. Thanks to the Hearn Foundation many more people will have access to this vital companionship, connection and support that helped Marilyn and her family navigate the devastating impacts of sight loss.”