£5,000 cash boost for brave Colchester toddler Eli Baker’s eye surgery fund

Eli Baker suffers from Waardensburg syndrome and Nystagamus which is causing him to lose his sight. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Eli is losing his sight due to Nystagmus, a condition which causes constant movement of the eyes.

Eli has regular visits to Great Ormund Street and Moorfields eye hospital, but treatment in the UK is limited.

However, Eli’s parents, Darren and Michelle Baker, have found a surgeon in California that specialises in treatment that stops eyes from shaking.

The family have desperately been trying to raise money for the procedures which comes to a cost of £22,000.

The generous donation made by the anonymous couple means the family are much closer to their target - they now need £3,500.

The couple said: “We saw the report in the paper and were touched by the unusual condition, we could imagine how it could be affecting him and wished to help him regain better sight and live a more normal and enjoyable life.

“It made us very sad that a little boy was suffering this way. We were sitting there trying to imagine how he can cope with the constant flicker.”

The couple do not wish to make themselves known to the family but added: “We wish the family all the best in looking after their precious son.”

Michelle, 27, and Darren, 33, couldn’t believe the generosity of the couple.

They said:“We are completely overwhelmed, we are extremely grateful for all the donations we have received but, this huge donation has taken us so close to our goal it is incredible.

“We would like to thank the couple for helping to change Eli’s future. Words just can’t describe how grateful we are.”

If you would like to make a donation towards the operation click here.

• Read more: Can you help this family raise money and save their son’s sight?