Longtime Fight for Sight fundraiser recognized during British Masters at The Belfry
A Warwickshire woman who has spent three decades raising money for vision research was honored in a surprise moment on national television—courtesy of golfing icon Sir Nick Faldo.
Debbie White, 60, lives with Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes progressive sight and hearing loss. Despite these challenges, she has raised nearly half a million pounds for Fight for Sight, the UK’s leading eye research charity.
A Surprise on the Green
The tribute was broadcast on BBC One’s The One Show during its “One Big Thank You” segment and filmed live at The Betfred British Masters at The Belfry, where Sir Nick Faldo was hosting. As Faldo spoke on stage to a live audience, Debbie, seated in the front row, initially had no idea the conversation would turn to her.
But when Faldo began talking about a “special lady who has raised a lot of money,” it quickly became clear who he meant.
Debbie was invited on stage where Faldo praised her tireless fundraising work. He presented her with a personalized, engraved golf club and shared video messages from her family, friends, Fight for Sight staff, and One Show presenter Roman Kemp.
“What Debbie has been doing is absolutely incredible,” said Faldo. “When The One Show asked me to play this little surprise on her, I jumped in!”
A Lifetime of Giving Back
Debbie has led the Warwickshire Fight for Sight Committee for 30 years. In that time, she’s organized everything from annual golf days and gala dinners to zip line challenges and night walks—all to support research into sight loss.
Despite her own vision deteriorating, Debbie remains an avid golfer. She played competitively with an 11 handicap until her eyesight forced her to step back. Recently, she joined England and Wales Blind Golf, winning her first competition in April and setting her sights on competing in the Scandinavian Blind Golf Open next year.
Debbie was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome type II at age 21, following a diagnosis in her younger brother. The condition causes progressive vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa, alongside hearing impairment.
While Debbie doesn’t expect a cure in her lifetime, she remains committed to funding research that could change the future for others living with vision loss.
“It Was Just Wonderful”
Reflecting on the experience, Debbie described the surprise as overwhelming but deeply meaningful.
“It was a massive day,” she said. “Meeting Nick Faldo, being presented with the golf club, and seeing all the lovely messages—it was just wonderful! It meant so much to me and it will spur on my efforts to raise funds for vital eye research.”
Keith Valentine, CEO of Fight for Sight, also paid tribute to Debbie’s contributions.
“I wanted to say the biggest thank you that it’s possible to say for raising over £400,000 over the thirty years you’ve been working with us to save sight and change lives,” he said. “It’s an incredible contribution.”
Learn more about Debbie’s journey and how to support Fight for Sight’s mission: https://www.fightforsight.org.uk/
