Gemma Owen speaks out on her brother’s rare eye condition
‘I’ve seen how low vision has affected him’: Gemma Owen reveals her brother James was declared clinically blind at age eight when she announced a new ambassador role
Gemma Owen described her younger brother James’ rare eye condition as she revealed she is now an ambassador for a British charity.
The ex-Love Island star, 20, who is the daughter of former England footballer Michael Owen, 43, shared a poignant update on Instagram explaining that James, 17, was diagnosed clinically blind when he was just a child.
Captioning her post, Gemma said, “When my brother James was about 8 years old, he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Stargardt Disease.
“This condition progressively worsens the vision of the macular and there is currently no cure or treatment.
“Having seen up close how the vision loss has affected him personally, I am honored to announce that I am now an ambassador for @fightforsightuk.”
Sibling support: Gemma Owen, 20, has revealed that her younger brother James, 17, was diagnosed with a rare eye condition when he was just eight
Gemma continued: ‘This UK charity funds research into the prevention and treatment of blindness and eye disease and holds a special place in the heart of my entire family.
“I look forward to working with them to raise funds and awareness for research and development in treatments for people with Stargardt’s disease and other conditions that cause blindness ❤️”
Fight For Sight is a UK charity that raises money for research into the prevention and treatment of blindness and eye disease.
Fans were quick to congratulate Gemma on her new role, while fellow Love Island star Coco Lodge, 28, posted a flutter of handclap emojis.
Former islander Antigoni Buxton, 27, added: “Amazing Gemma ❤️.”
Father Michael previously opened up about James’ condition in 2019, revealing that his only son will not follow in his footsteps as a footballer.
Speaking to The Times in 2019, Michael said: ‘He will never be a footballer. My son has an eye condition. I never said this. I don’t want a big head.
“Clinically, he is blind. He has Stargardt’s disease, a degeneration of his retina.
Famous family: Father Michael Owen, 43, revealed his son would not follow in his footsteps as a professional footballer
New role: Former Love Island star Gemma is now an ambassador for British charity Fight For Sight
“I used to go and see him and complain to him about his positioning. He can only see the ball from five yards away.
“As much as every father wants his son to play, it’s almost a relief to me.”
It also comes after Gemma insisted she still hasn’t dated anyone after splitting from Luca Bish six months ago and says she’s checking out a stint on I’m A Celeb.
The TV personality, who met 23-year-old fishmonger Luca on the ITV2 series Love Island last year, told MailOnline she was ‘focusing on herself’ and is not ready to meet anyone after the pair went their separate ways in November .
In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Gemma said, “I didn’t date at all.”
“I’ve focused on myself and personally put myself in a happy and contented place before I start trying to find someone.”