Sight Matters, with Manninsight, is delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for a very special event coming to the Isle of Man next spring.

On Friday 20 March 2026, the Empress Hotel will host an inspiring evening with Janet Gray MBE – a world champion water skier whose story of resilience and determination has touched audiences across the globe.

Janet lost her sight suddenly at the age of 21 due to a rare form of glaucoma. Rather than allow blindness to define her, she went on to become a three-time World Disabled Water Ski Champion, breaking barriers and setting records in a sport not typically associated with visual impairment. Her journey became even more extraordinary following a near-fatal training accident, after which she fought her way back to reclaim her world title once again.

Her visit to the island, organised by ManninSight, a fundraising arm of Sight Matters, offers a rare chance to hear directly from someone whose life embodies strength, perseverance, and the refusal to give up. Janet’s message is clear: sight loss doesn’t close doors—new ones can open with the right support, mindset, and determination.

Event Details

Date: Friday 20 March 2026
Venue: Empress Hotel, Douglas
Price: £65 per person
Includes: A three-course meal, tea and coffee, Janet’s talk, and an opportunity for audience questions
Tickets: Available here

Tables of ten are available, and individual tickets can also be purchased.

This promises to be an uplifting and memorable evening in support of Sight Matters’ work, and we encourage early booking due to expected demand.

To hear more about Janet’s upcoming visit, you can listen to Episode 13 of the Sight Matters Matters podcast, in which Michelle Furness of ManninSight speaks to host Bob Harrison about the event. 

This event is kindly supported by Callin Wild and Rotary Club of Douglas.