A NORTHALLERTON sight loss support group will feature a talk from a former World War Two pilot next month.

Harry Garthwaite, who is from Newcastle and celebrated his 101st birthday on June 4, has clocked almost 2,500 flying hours, flown 23 different aircraft including the Hurricane, The Spitfire and an abandoned German trainer and was mentioned in dispatches.

Mr Garthwaite's flying days ended in February 1946 when he was released from the armed forces, he has remained an aircraft enthusiast and a keen member of his local RAF Association.

Harry suffers from dry age-related macular degeneration, a sight loss condition that has affected his vision and the UK's biggest cause of sight loss.

Five years ago, after 67 years of happy marriage, Harry's wife died and as a result of the restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic, he lost contact with people.

Mr Garthwaite said: "I was invited by an RAF Association friend of mine to share some of my wartime flying experiences with the members and volunteers of the Wem Macular Society telephone support group.

"They made me feel so welcome. I really enjoyed talking to them and we also had a very in-depth discussion about how, during the war, people helped each other, very much as we are all trying to do now.

"After that talk, the Macular Society got in contact with me to ask if I would be interested in speaking to more of their members and volunteers at some of their other telephone support group meetings across the country.

"I was surprised but also absolutely delighted because it means that by helping in this way I can reciprocate the community support spirit that I have experienced in my life.”

Jo Reader, regional manager for the Macular Society, said: "We are delighted to welcome Harry as a guest speaker to our group call. I have absolutely no doubt that he will be very popular and we very much look forward to hearing his stories.

The Macular Society telephone support groups, of which there are more than 400 across the UK, offer practical and emotional support for people with macular disease.

The Northallerton group hold their telephone meetings at 1pm on the first Friday of every month.

Jo added: "Whilst it’s wonderful that some social restrictions are beginning to ease, people’s health and wellbeing remain our priority. However, it’s absolutely vital that everyone who needs our support continues to receive it.

"Although our face-to-face services have had to be suspended for the time being, we are still on the end of the phone and would strongly urge anyone to call us if they do need our assistance.

“The telephone groups offer help in understanding macular disease and coming to terms with sight loss; exactly the way that our face-to-face support groups do.

"They also help us to ensure that everyone is kept up to date with all the current news and information.

"But most importantly, they allow people with macular disease to continue to take part in social activities, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation during these difficult times.”

The Macular Society, a leading sight loss charity which funds medical research to beat macular disease, suspended all face-to-face support services when Covid-19 started last year.