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JUTC opens bank account for man with cataract and glaucoma

Published:Wednesday | December 19, 2018 | 12:00 AMJason Cross/Gleaner Writer
Audley Facey

Even though he suffers with a cataract on his left eye and glaucoma in the right, Audley Facey has now seen a glimmer of hope now that an account has been opened in his name to facilitate donations for surgery.

Cecil Thoms, Jamaica Urban Transit Company's (JUTC) communications manager, gave a commitment recently that the entity would try to assist Facey, who is a regular passenger, by opening a bank account. That promise has been fulfilled.

"I feel much better to know I am a bit closer towards getting full help with my eyes. Everyone who can give, please do so, no matter how small it is. I will gladly accept. I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I am glad Mr Thoms put things together for me. Sometimes the eyes are bright, and a next time, it's not."

Facey said that shortly after the publication of his story in The Gleaner on November 21, he began receiving calls from "classmates who called to say they are going to try and put some things together".

Thoms said the JUTC team was ready to assist and appealed to civic-minded Jamaicans to do the right thing and contribute so that he could reach roughly $500,000.

"Mr Facey has been using our services from inception. We are in the season of giving, and I thought it was important that we extend a helping hand. I put the idea forward to the management team, and they were of the view that where we can, we should assist. I am hoping people will see his story and it will touch their hearts."

Persons wishing to help can make contributions to the Half Way Tree branch of Jamaica National Bank under account #2094410810. The name on the account is Audley Facey.

jason.cross@gleanerjm.com