Grade 9 learner Slade Davey prepares to take on the Midmar Mile, raising funds to support education, independence, and early intervention for visually impaired children through The Bright Eyes Trust.
Durban, South Africa (27 January 2026) – A Grade 9 learner is proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference, as young swimmer Slade Davey prepares to take on the Midmar Mile in support of The Bright Eyes Trust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting blind and visually impaired children.
Slade’s swim is more than a sporting challenge. It is a fundraising effort aimed at supporting education and early intervention for children who are visually impaired, with a target of raising R5,000. For The Bright Eyes Trust, the gesture is both inspiring and deeply meaningful.
“It’s incredible, it really is,” says Carron Strahan from The Bright Eyes Trust. “We love lifting our children up with examples like this, because everybody can make a change, no matter how big or small, and no matter how young or old.”
The Bright Eyes Trust focuses on early intervention and education for visually impaired children, work Carron describes as essential rather than optional.
“Early intervention for a visually impaired child is not a luxury or a nice-to-have. It is absolutely essential.”
The organisation has grown beyond early childhood development and now runs a preschool, homeschooling programme, Grade R to Grade 2 classes, and an after-school programme for visually impaired children from the broader community. This includes homework support, adapted maths programmes, extramural activities such as karate, cooking and baking, as well as family support.
“There is so much that a blind child needs to learn before they are even ready for the classroom safety, confidence, independence and navigation.”
Beyond education, The Bright Eyes Trust also provides free eye screenings within the community, reaching nearly 3,000 people last year, runs a feeding scheme, offers support to families at McCord Provincial Eye Hospital, and facilitates programmes focused on epilepsy support and accessible, tactile art for visually impaired children.
Slade’s connection to the organisation came through swimming, a passion close to Carron’s heart.
Legally blind herself, she believes strongly in water safety and access to swimming for visually impaired children.
“Swimming gives the children so much joy, confidence and freedom. It’s done safely, and it’s incredibly powerful.”
When Slade’s family approached The Bright Eyes Trust about swimming on their behalf, the organisation was “absolutely overjoyed”.
“Fundraising never ends, so to have something like this come out of the blue was such a gift.”
She hopes Slade’s journey inspires others to get involved.
“You never know the power you have until you put yourself out there. Slade has done exactly that.”
Those wishing to support Slade’s Midmar Mile swim and contribute to the work of The Bright Eyes Trust can do so by following the fundraising link here.
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Sources: GTG Interview
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