aiming-high-for-sight_-2025-birdshot-uveitis-charity-shoot-raises-60000

19th June 2017

Aiming High: 2025 Birdshot Uveitis Charity Shoot Day Raises £60,000 

Birdshot 2025

The 11th Birdshot Uveitis Charity Shoot Day, proudly sponsored by John F Hunt, was a roaring success – raising a remarkable £60,000 to support vital research into Birdshot Uveitis, a rare and sight-threatening autoimmune disease. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds in Northwood, this year’s event was one of the most memorable yet.

A Warm Welcome and a Cracking Start

The day began with hearty bacon and sausage butties served fresh off the griddle. As guests arrived, fuelled by good food and great company, you could feel the buzz of excitement building. It was the perfect start to what would become a day full of energy, generosity, and shared purpose.

None of it would have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of Alison Sherring, our Group Marketing Director at John F Hunt. From coordinating every detail to ensuring each guest felt genuinely welcomed and looked after, Alison’s dedication shone through at every turn. The day ran seamlessly thanks to her months of planning, passion, and personal touches – a true tour de force behind the scenes.

Passion, Purpose, and a Whole Lot of Clays

Hosted by the Birdshot Uveitis Society, the event welcomed a brilliant mix of returning supporters and first-time participants. With sunshine and rolling countryside as our backdrop, teams took to the grounds for a full day of clay shooting – a staggering 9,134 clays were launched!

Star Shots and Olympic-Worthy Teamwork

The cleverly named “2 Birds Only 1 Stone” took home the Top Team title – huge congratulations to Oliver Rees, Craig Chaplin, Brett Hallworth, and Michael Reeves, who collectively hit 445 clays! If teamwork were an Olympic event, they’d be on the gold podium.

Individual awards added some extra sparkle, with honours for Top Gun, Top Lady, and even the playful title of Clay Conservationist – proving that whether you hit the most or saved the most, everyone had a chance to shine.

From Clay to Cure: The Science Behind the Shoot

A particularly inspiring part of the day was the talk delivered by Dr Colin Chu, Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Dr. Chu spoke passionately about the groundbreaking BIRD-SET study, which is already gathering clinical data and imaging from over 140 patients and continues to expand.

Thanks to support from the Birdshot Uveitis Society, research efforts now include AI-assisted diagnosis tools and even the development of mini-eye organoids. This was a powerful reminder that every shot taken on the field contributes to a much larger goal – advancing treatments and understanding for a disease desperately needing a cure.

Auction Antics, Raffle Revelry, and Generous Hearts

After a delicious three-course meal curated by Michelin-trained chef Joshua Hunter, the room was alive with the buzz of a lively auction. With prizes ranging from a 300-bird partridge shoot to luxury getaways in Egypt and the Amalfi Coast, the bidding wars were fierce – and fun!

A massive thank you to John F Hunt for donating an unforgettable Nobu private dining experience, alongside many other fantastic prizes. Our friends at Holland & Holland and Greenshields JCB also added to the incredible auction lineup. Between the raffle, games like Heads & Tails, and The Sweep, the day was a brilliant blend of fun and fundraising.

A Round of Applause for Our Supporters

Events like this don’t just happen – they’re built on the generosity, time, and spirit of a community that cares. We want to thank:

  • John F Hunt, our proud principal sponsor
  • John Hall, Chairman of John F Hunt, for his continued leadership
  • Alison Sherring, for flawlessly organising the entire event and ensuring every guest felt welcomed, comfortable, and part of something meaningful
  • Annie Folkard, Nina Musgrave, Patricia McEnroe, and Fiona Gee – the heart of the Birdshot Uveitis Society
  • Paul, Sam, Mary, and the exceptional team at Holland & Holland
  • Dr. Colin Chu, for his eye-opening (pun very much intended) insights
  • Dylan Williams, our charismatic auctioneer, and MC – truly unmatched in energy
  • And, of course, every single person who attended, donated, bid, and joined in the fun

Let’s Keep Aiming Higher

Birdshot Uveitis may not have a cure yet – but with continued support and events like this, we’re one step closer to changing that. Want to help us make a difference?

Visit the Birdshot Uveitis Society to learn more or make a donation. For more updates on our charity initiatives and community work, follow John F Hunt on LinkedIn or visit www.johnfhunt.co.uk.

Thanks for being part of this unforgettable day and helping us make a difference, one clay at a time.