20 May 2023 , 16:28
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Gemma Owen has shared an emotional post about her brother James, who is clinically blind.
The Love Island star - and daughter of footballer Michael Owen - revealed her younger sibling has a rare eye condition that affects one in 8,000 people.
There is currently no cure or treatment for Stargardt Disease, which progressively deteriorates vision.
James is now 17, but has been losing his sight since he was diagnosed with the condition at the age of just eight.
Opening up about her brother on Instagram, Gemma shared a rare snap with her 1.9 million followers.
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She also revealed she had landed a huge new role with Fight For Sight UK, which ‘has a special place in all of my family’s hearts’.
Gemma shared this cute snap with brother James, who is clinically blind (Instagram)
Gemma announced she would now be working with Fight For Sight UK (Instagram)Gemma 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.
“Having closely witnessed how sight loss has affected him personally, I am honoured to announce that I am now an ambassador for @fightforsightuk.”
Giving more details about her new role, the 20-year-old continued: “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.”
Gemma recently enjoyed a family outing with dad Michael, mum Louise and brother James (Instagram)
Gemma with her lookalike mum Louise (Instagram)Fans were quick to comment on the post – with many praising Gemma for using her social media platform for raising awareness of the little-known condition.
One wrote: “I love it when a celebrity uses their platform to help the smaller, meaningful charities. Well done Gemma.”
Another said: “Great charity and great cause – have macular degeneration in my family and have the symptoms, but it takes years for anything to appear for a diagnosis and no cure for it yet. Good for you using your platform for raising awareness.”
“What an excellent ambassador you’ll be, especially when it’s a cause so close to you heart,” a third commented. “My mum has age-related macular disease and any research into this and similar conditions is so valuable. Thank you.”
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A fourth added: “I have so much respect for celebrities who use their platform to raise awareness for rare genetic diseases, having myself been affected recently with a family member being born with a rare genetic disease.
“It has brought to light just how many people there are out there who are suffering daily with no funding because it is rare... respect to you for doing this Gemma. The world needs more people like you.”
Gemma found fame on Love Island last year (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Gemma and brother James enjoyed a family outing to the races earlier this month with their famous dad Michael and mum Louise.
The ex-Love Island star, who is also a professional dressage rider, looked chic in a sheer cream dress and strappy heels.
Brother James looked smart in a pink button-up shirt, blue blazer and trousers.
Dad Michael wore a matching outfit, while mum Louise wore a navy dress in a similar style to Gemma’s.
Gemma simply captioned the post: "Family time," with a white heart emoji.