Long way down

You may not be aware but Ewan McGregor's mum Carol is a long standing Sightsavers supporter, and even sat on the Scottish Appeal board. When Hollywood heavyweight Ewan undertook an epic 15,000 mile journey by motorbike from John O'Groats to Cape Town with long-time travelling companion Charley Boorman, Carol paid him a surprise visit in Malawi.

When did you first hear about our work and what made you become an ambassador?

Sightsavers' representative in Scotland contacted me because of the audio description work that I do for theatres and films. I guess there was an obvious connection between the work that I do with people who are blind and visually impaired in this country and the work that you do overseas.

You've visited Sightsavers' projects in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and now Malawi, what is your most memorable experience?

They've all been extremely memorable but I suppose that Bangladesh particularly so because it was my first experience of actually seeing your work in the field in rural areas and of understanding how important the services you support are.

What did you get to see in Malawi?

We were lucky enough to see eye screening take place at Mkanda Health Centre in Mchinji. Michael, the ophthalmic clinical officer, did an incredible job seeing so many people from the community in such a short space of time and either treating them on the spot or referring them to the nearest hospital.

Other than Michael, who particularly stood out in your mind?

I met Laides and her husband Size in the village of Mphita. I'll remember her for a long time because she'd had her sight restored through cataract surgery and was able to resume daily chores like fetching water and firewood. It just went to show a valuable and important a woman's role is in society especially as when she lost her sight, her husband wasn't happy to take on the household tasks. She was so delighted to have her sight back.

Did you hear from Ewan much during his three-month trip?

He would phone home about once a week, usually from the unlikeliest places like the middle of nowhere in Ethiopia.

Was surprising him in Malawi a success?

Completely. I don't know how but everybody managed to keep it a secret that we were in Malawi, even the film crew and the hotel. Hopefully it will make a great TV moment!