Harry to give talk about his wartime experiences

Harry Garthwaite, who will celebrate his 101 birthday on June 4, clocked up almost 2,500 flying hours, flew 23 different aircraft types including the Hurricane, the Spitfire and an abandoned German trainer, and was mentioned in dispatches. Although his flying days ended in February 1946 when he was demobbed, Harry remains an aircraft enthusiast and a keen member of his local RAF Association.

Harry is affected by dry age-related macular degeneration , a sight loss condition that affects his central vision. Macular disease, the nation’s biggest cause of blindness.

The Macular Society, a leading sight loss charity which funds medical research to beat macular disease, suspended all face-to-face support services when the coronavirus first struck last year. Since then the charity has provided a new range of telephone and online support services, including telephone befriending. All of its services are available to anyone affected by sight loss, their family or friends.

Five years ago, and after 67 years of happy marriage, Harry’s wife died and the pandemic meant Harry had less contact with people. But, a chance telephone call provided him with the opportunity to regain some social contact.

“I was invited by an RAF Association friend of mine to share some of my wartime flying experiences with the members and volunteers of the Wem Macular Society telephone support group. They made me feel so welcome. We had an in-depth discussion about how, during the war, people helped each other, very much as we are all trying to do now.”

“After that talk, the Macular Society got in contact with me to ask if I would be interested in speaking to more of their members and volunteers at some of their other telephone support group meetings across the country. I was delighted because it means that I can reciprocate the community support spirit that I have experienced in my life.”

Amanda Read, senior regional manager for the charity, said: “We are delighted to welcome Harry as a guest speaker to our group call.

“Whilst it’s wonderful news that some social restrictions are beginning to ease, people’s health and wellbeing remain our priority. However, it’s absolutely vital that everyone who needs our support continues to receive it. Although our face-to-face services remain suspended for the time being, we are still on the end of the phone and would strongly urge anyone to call us if they do need our assistance.

“The telephone groups offer help in understanding macular disease and coming to terms with sight loss; exactly the way that our face-to-face support groups used to do. They also help us to ensure that everyone is kept up to date with all the current news and information. But most importantly, they allow people with macular disease to continue to take part in social activities, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation during these difficult times.”

If you would like to join the call, or for more information about additional support services available locally, please contact Amanda Read on 07432 700 478, or email amanda.read@macularsociety.org.