'This might be the last Christmas I am able to see': Father-of-three fundraising for a festive season to remember

Stuart Winch, 30, has a family history of Stickler Syndrome, which combined with macular degeneration has already caused him to lose the sight in one eye.

He is now beginning to lose sight in his other eye and wants to make sure the last Christmas he is able to see his children is particularly memorable.

Mr Winch used to work as a builder but was forced to give up his job.

He lives in Cleobury Mortimer with his wife Jenta and their three children Connor, seven, Vinnie, four, and Isla, one.

He said: "I have gone from building houses to not being able to make a cup of tea. Sometimes I lie awake at night because I am too scared to go to sleep in case I wake up and can't see any more." Mr Winch's brother Nick, now 18, lost his sight when he was just nine years old from a similar condition.

He said: "In 2009 my left eye started having some fuzziness so I went to have it checked out and they said I just needed to wear glasses and my eyes would get better. But in 2013 I completely lost the sight in my left eye."

Last November he then began having trouble with his right eye and was sent to specialists in Cambridge for an operation.

But he is now rapidly losing the sight in that eye and can only see two metres in front of him.

He said: "There is nothing that they can do to repair or fix it, it just just a matter of time. I have three young children and soon I won't be able to see their faces.

"My wife is amazing and helps me get about day-to-day, even down to when I'm getting dressed in the morning.

"My wife and I had a discussion and we said this might be the last Christmas I am able to see them, go shopping and pick their presents out, the last year I am able to write in a card.

"To me, this is like my last Christmas. I'll still be alive and I know there are people worse off than me, but I really want to make this a Christmas I can remember.

"I have taken things for granted – I think everyone does – you don't remember every little detail."

To donate https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Helpmakememories