Sarah Kidner

Background

About Sarah Kidner

When I think about my arrival at Fight for Sight / Vision Foundation, I can see a clear path from the beginning of my career to where I am today. My role as head of communications and external affairs is telling stories - for good - and we have a fantastic story to tell. The charity funds brilliant minds and bright ideas putting change in sight for everyone impacted by vision loss. Brilliant minds because, as a funder, we're as much investing in the people behind the science that we know will 'Save sight. Change Lives'. Those four words are critical. Why? Because when someone receives a diagnosis of vision loss, they face two profound questions: Can this be stopped? How do I live my life - we can and will answer both with a resounding 'yes'. We say 'yes' to funding early-stage research and talented researchers across their careers. Even if their hypothesis doesn't play out, we learn something and advance our research strategy to better understand, prevent, diagnose and treat eye disease. We change lives by finding and funding bright ideas that deliver joy and equity. Programmes designed to tackle the loneliness experienced by three times as many blind and vision-impaired people as the general population - as our research shows. Our fundraising team is speaking to philanthropists, companies and supporters so we have the money we need to invest. Working at a research-based charity is a home from home for me having spent six years at the British Heart Foundation. I know I'm good at explaining fascinating science and the impact it has in a simple way - so others can see the impact of the money we raise. Our brand values are defined and authentic - more to come on that - and I've been privileged to guide our merged organisation towards an identity that encapsulates our vision - nothing short of saving sight and changing lives. I also worked as a brand ambassador and champion at Which? and the BHF. How people experience vision loss or pan-disabilities is unique. We fund research that explores those unique experiences and use that evidence to guide our funding. The stories that I, and the comms team tell, are authentic, inspiring, and always move me. Telling stories with empathy is vital and I am proud to work in a charity with a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion and sustainability through our preloved shops. As someone with a qualification in counselling authenticity in and out of the charity matters. Read more about my career stepping stones