Love Island’s Gemma Owen opens up on brother’s rare condition that has ‘no cure’
Written by on May 20, 2023
Love Island star Gemma Owen has opened up on her brother’s rare illness and said there is currently “no cure or treatment” for his condition.
The 20-year-old, who appeared on the hit dating show last year summer, announced that she is now an ambassador for Fight For Sight, after witnessing her brother James battle a rare genetic disease that affects his vision.
Taking to Instagram, Gemma shared a snap of herself alongside her brother James, 17, and another snap with Keith Valentine, who is the Chief Executive for Fight for Sight.
Captioning the snap she wrote: “When my brother James was around 8yo he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Stargardt Disease.
“This condition progressively deteriorates vision from the macula and currently there is no cure or treatment.”
The reality star then went on to share how honored she is to be working with the organisation.
She continued: “Having closely witnessed how sight loss has affected him personally, I am honoured to announce that I am now an ambassador for Fight For Sight.
“This UK charity is funding research into the prevention and treatment of blindness and eye disease and has a special place in all of my family’s hearts.
“I’m looking forward to working with them to help raise funds and awareness for research and developments in treatments for people with Stargardt Disease and other conditions causing blindness.”
Seeing her honest post, fans headed over to Gemma’s comment section to praise her efforts.
One impressed follower said: “Ah amazing, using your platform to highlight something so close to your heart.”
Another penned: “Love when a celebrity uses their platform to help the smaller, meaningful charities. Well done Gemma.”
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A third shared: “Such a wonderful cause and a lovely way for you to continue to support your brother James. Sight loss research really needs to have awareness raised.”
While a fourth added: “This is amazing, we need more people like you raising awareness for such a great cause!!”
Last month, Gemma, who is the daughter of football legend Michael Owen, confessed that she hasn’t dated anyone following her split from Luca Bish who she met on Love Island.
She said: “I haven’t dated at all.
“I have been focusing on myself and getting myself in a happy and content place personally before I start to try and find someone.”
