HASLEMERE church Our Lady of Lourdes is celebrating raising more than £1,400 for an eye clinic at its ‘India night’ event.

Ben’s Memorial Eye Clinic in Kolkata, India, has links with Haslemere, because it is named after Ben Purkayastha, who worked as an ophthalmologist at Guildford’s Royal Surrey County Hospital.

“The eye clinic is open two days a week,” his wife Tapati said. “Patients with eye problems get an opportunity to see a doctor free of charge.

“If Ben’s memorial eye clinic did not provide these services, these patients would have to survive either with pain in their eyes or, in a worst case scenario, without eyesight altogether.”

The One World Group, representing the Catholic parish of Haslemere, Hindhead and Chiddingfold, organised the fundraising event and has supported many projects over the years, ranging from funding a farm in aid of girls’ education in Eastern Uganda, to supporting homeless projects in Waverley.

Group chairman John Maguire said: “Once again we see in action the splendid generosity of the local community.

“I can tell you that Tapati is overwhelmed and overjoyed at what a difference this will make to the lives of many people. I would like to especially thank Rosie and Susai Nathan, the team at Our Lady of Lourdes, the One World Group, Applegarth Farm, Classic Cookware, Haslemere Garden Centre, Hemmingway’s, Pilates with Sandra, and The Georgian Hotel.”

• For more information about The One World Group, based at St Anselm’s, Beacon Hill, contact John on 07860 482251.