A COUPLE have raised more than £5,000 for children who have no eyes after their friends’ grandson was born with the condition.

Jeannie and Ernie Carpenter, aged 73 and 71, hosted a party at their home in Crockenhill on July 11 to raise money for charity MACS (Micro and Anophthalmic Children’s Society).

More than 200 people attended the event in Petham Court, helping to raise £5,200 for the charity which supports youngsters born without eyes and their families.

They decided to help the charity because their friends John and Fran White’s grandson George Croft was born without eyes or optic nerves 18 months ago.

Mrs Carpenter said: “The chairman of MACS came to the party and he said our donation was the biggest cheque he’s ever received.

“George’s family can afford to pay for all the help he’ll need in life, but some can’t afford it on their own, so this money is for them.”

George lives in Clarence Crescent, Sidcup, with his dad James and mum Claire, and she said: "We are extremely grateful for the support of Jeannie and Ernie."

The 36-year-old added: "When George was first born it was a shock, but we have just come to accept the position he and we are in and have made the most of it.

"George's personality shines through so much, and he is just a normal boy with a fantastic personality who just happens to not be able to see."

Around 15 children a year are born without eyes in the UK. For more information, go to macs.org.uk