FORMER Prime Minister Gordon Brown showed his support for Fife sight loss charity Seescape at its annual Christmas coffee morning.
Mr Brown, who served as MP for Dunfermline East then Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, attended the charity’s fundraising event in Glenrothes in his role as its Honorary President.
He spent time speaking to clients, staff, volunteers and stall holders and bought some festive treats.
He also bought a copy of Santa Steals Christmas! – a children’s book written by Scotland’s youngest published author Eve Nairn Magnante, which was developed in partnership with Seescape to make it accessible to readers with sight loss.
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Mr Brown is blind in one eye and suffered loss of vision in the other after a blow to the head in a rugby match as a teenager.
Seescape, formerly Fife Society for the Blind, helps those with sight loss live more independently and provides a range of services including rehabilitation, advice, and technology demonstrations.
It also offers social opportunities to those with visual impairments across Fife, as well as community-based assessments, home visits, and drop-ins at its visual impairment hub in Glenrothes to give information on the latest support and technologies available.
This winter, Seescape’s hub will also be a local ‘warm space’ location – a Fife Council initiative to work with community groups to offer warm places for anyone struggling with the cost of living.
Mr Brown said Seescape has made a "profound" difference to the lives of many Fifers.
“I’ve supported Seescape for many years and have seen first-hand the amazing work it does throughout Fife," he said. “I was delighted to spend time with the staff, volunteers and clients who make the charity so special.”
Lesley Carcary, chief executive of Seescape, added: “Our festive coffee morning is one of the highlights of our year, and we were delighted to welcome people to our hub to celebrate our work and the achievements of our clients over the past year.
“We are hugely grateful to our President Gordon Brown for his ongoing support for our work.
“Our clients and supporters always appreciate the time he takes to talk with them and engage with our community.”
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