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Privacy NoticeGemma Owen has been praised by fans and her social media followers after becoming an ambassador for a charity which funds research into the prevention and treatment of blindness and eye disease. The Love Island star and daughter of football legend Michael Owen, 20, has taken up the position as a way to honour and support her brother, James, who was diagnosed with a rare genetic eye disease when he was just eight years old. Gemma took to Instagram to reveal she has taken up a role as an ambassador for ‘Fight for Sight’ charity – as she has watched how sight loss has affected her brother. The reality star wants to work with the charity to “help raise funds and awareness” of James’ condition, Stargardt Disease, and other eye conditions.
Gemma Owen has spoken out about the rare genetic eye disease that affects her brother James
(Image: Instagram/gem_owen1)
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“When my brother James was around eight-years-old he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Stargardt Disease. This condition progressively deteriorates vision from the macula and currently there is no cure or treatment,” Gemma wrote on May 20. “Having closely witnessed how sight loss has affected him personally, I am honoured to announce that I am now an ambassador for Fight For Sight. “This UK charity is funding research into the prevention and treatment of blindness and eye disease and has a special place in all of my family’s heart. “I’m looking forward to working with them to help raise funds and awareness for research and developments in treatments for people with Stargardt Disease and other conditions causing blindness.”
The Owen family pictured together
On the Fight for Sight website, a statement from the charity explains what it does. It says: “As the national charity with a focus on pioneering eye research we know that research can unlock solutions and transform lives. “The researchers we fund are on the cusp of so many breakthroughs, delivering over 160 projects at universities and hospitals around the UK. Join us in backing a breakthrough. Help create a world that everyone can see.”
James was diagnosed with a rare genetic eye disease when he was just eight years old
Fans have praised Gemma for speaking out about the condition that affects her brother and for supporting the important charity. One fan said: “This is amazing. My mum, nephew and uncle are blind. Fab cause x,” while another said: “Great cause let’s hope that science can find a way forward,” while a third said: “This is amazing. We need more people like you raising awareness for such a great cause !! Well done.” “This is wonderful and I bet your brother is very proud of you. Well done for raising awareness and supporting others too,” added another. Gemma is one-of-four and the oldest sibling in the family, at the age of 20. James is the second-oldest at the age of 17 and the pair also have a 15-year-old sister called Emily May and a 13-year-old sister called Jessica.
Gemma posed with her family as they attended the races recently
(Image: Instagram/Gemma Owen)
Dad Michael Owen previously spoke with The Times about James’ condition and how it affected him trying to teach James how to play football when he was younger. “He will never be a footballer. My son’s got an eye condition. I’ve never said this. I don’t want a big headline,” Michael said back in 2019. “Clinically, he’s blind. He’s got Stargardt disease, a degeneration of his retina. “I used to go and watch him and b*****k him about his positioning. He can’t see the ball until it’s five yards away. As much as every father wants their son to play, it is almost a relief to me.” READ MORE: Go here for the latest celeb and showbiz news Ferne McCann reveals plan to give birth on TV: ‘I want to capture that moment’ ‘Doting’ Prince Edward and Sophie nurtured Lady Louise after difficult birth Billie Shepherd’s mum Suzie: ‘Menopause rocked my self-esteem, but I feel great at 54’ Joe Swash reveals how he made a move on now-wife Stacey Solomon Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnLove IslandGemma OwenHealthHorus
