On Monday 25th August 2025 27 Eye Matter members and volunteers set off for the Sussex based PGL adventure park, on-board a private coach from London.
Clive A said, “I felt part of an amazing family of lovely people who all embrace the challenges of living with a visual impairment. As a newcomer into this world it has been enlightening to discover how everyone embraces the day to day challenges with a smile on their face. The organisation was great giving us an opportunity to discover all the different activities with the guidance of the PGL instructors & our team leaders. A special thank you to Suzie and all our wonderful friends Noemi,Danny,Seth,Tiana & Rose for such a wonderful fun,rewarding holiday. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. I enjoyed everyone’s company. Roll on next year!”
Once at the park the large group was divided into several smaller teams which were supported by PGL instructors and Eye Matter volunteers. This allowed all participants to engage in a wide variety of activities as explained by Ibrahim,
“I enjoyed the canoeing, rifle shooting, archery and fencing. The adrenaline rush of the big swing and absailing was amazing! It’s given me more confidence to go outside to explore the great outdoors and have fun while doing it. I’ll probably spend more time outside now than I did before as a result!”
Ibrahim continued,“What a fantastic time I had on this holiday. It was a wonderful experience and a great opportunity for me to relax, unwind and have some fun. I’ve made some wonderful new friends, had some great experiences and it’s been a throwback to activities I did as a child and have Long since wanted to do but never had the opportunity before meeting Eye Matter.”
Hayley D commented,“I’m so delighted to be a part of Eye Matter with whom i had such an amazing time! I thoroughly enjoyed being in the company of all those I encountered and for all those that I didn’t encounter as much I look forward to getting to know you in the future. I can’t wait till next year. I have some wonderful memories that I will take with me for the rest of my days. Thank you to Susie, Naomi, Tiana, Rose, Danny and Seth for being volunteers extraordinaire! A big massive shout out to all the PGL team for their wonderful instruction, company and consideration.”
Paula C said, “Eyematter does a great job. It was great to meet so many people and link up with them. Thank you Suzie and the team for a lovely few days.”
Rachel (Eye Matters Trustee/Secretary) said,”Canoeing with Erin and Mackie(Guide Dog) was one of my highlights of the holiday. I hope I thanked lots of people individually, especially our amazing, invaluable superstar sighted guides but thank you to the many new friends I made this weekk and looking forward to meeting others I didn’t have a chance to meet. Here’s to our next adventure.”
Danielle C commented,“It was great to see old friends and meet new ones that I’ve only spoken too online. Despite spending most of the holiday unwell, which was rubbish, I was able to enjoy the impossible quiz and the pool.”
For some members, like Darren V, this was his second visit with Eye Matter, “I have had a fantastic time meeting new friends as well as meeting up with old ones. A very big thank you to Suzie and all of the helpers including all the staff at PGL for making our stay such a fantastic time.”
Suzie Simons(Eye Matter’s founder) in responding to the PGL WhatsApp group said,,”Thank you so much for sharing an amazing few days with us, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, pushing the boundaries and for some, doing things you never thought possible.”