Befriending service in memory of Marilyn Lee

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 faced the challenge of macular disease with great fortitude and positivity for many years. 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’s diagnosis

Marilyn Lee (née Hearn) 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.

The consultant explained that the condition was chronic, treatment was limited to injections, and the prognosis was “unknown”. She was also told she would eventually go blind.

Those words were hard to digest, and she and her husband David were left struggling to understand what they had been told.

“We went home and tried to fully comprehend this life-changing diagnosis,” David said. “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.”

Seeking support and understanding

David and Marilyn revisited the consultant and contacted the Macular Society, in search of more information.

“From these two sources we became more educated and less fearful,” David added.

“The diagnosis and prognosis was life changing not only for Marilyn, but also for the wider family. 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.”

The fear and uncertainty were soon greatly reduced as understanding the condition helped Marilyn, giving her the courage and strength to face the challenges of wet AMD.

Living with macular disease

“Initially her diary was dictated by monthly hospital appointments, accompanied by a good friend rather than me,” David said. “It was very much Marilyn's way to decide what worked best for her.

“She valued her independence and the support of the family and closest friends throughout.

“As time went on and the interval of injections widened, she considered every positive scan was a victory.”

Marilyn was ever hopeful for more treatments and research for AMD.

David said: “Marilyn and her friend Leander pestered the consultant on every visit to ask of the latest developments in treatment and research being carried out worldwide.

“Marilyn also attended seminars arranged by the Macular Society not only to gain information about AMD, but equally important, to meet with others living with the condition. Shared experiences, concerns and practical advice helped her feel better informed and reinforced her determination to face the challenges of sight loss positively. That questioning and positive outlook remained throughout her journey.”

Marilyn’s legacy

David added: “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.”

Sadly, Marilyn passed away in 2025, leaving behind her husband David, two children Louise and David and four grandchildren Freddie, Charlie, Edith and Joseph.

To honour her memory the Hearn Foundation, founded by her brother Peter Hearn, has donated £1m to the Society.

Following the generous gift the Macular Society’s Befriending Service, which offers vital connection and friendship to those living with sight loss, has been renamed, after the invaluable support Marilyn received.

About the befriending service in memory of Marilyn Lee

To honour Marilyn’s memory, the Macular Society’s befriending service has been renamed the Befriending in memory of Marilyn Lee.

Marilyn experienced the fear, uncertainty and isolation that can come with macular disease. She also knew how important it is to feel supported, understood, and able to connect with other people.

The befriending service reflects those values, offering regular telephone calls with trained volunteers for people living with sight loss.

Thanks to a generous gift from the Hearn Foundation, founded by Marilyn’s brother Peter Hearn, the service continues in Marilyn’s memory.

Read more about the Macular Society’s Befriending in memory of Marilyn Lee.

The Macular Society is extremely grateful to The Hearn Foundation for a generous donation of £1m towards our befriending service. The gift was made in memory of Marilyn Lee, who received support from the Macular Society following her diagnosis of wet age-related macular degeneration.