A music teacher who raised thousands of pounds for charity has won a national award.

Liz Wardle, 54, from Sutton, has won the Macular Disease Society (MDS) Chairman’s Award, for raising more than £20,000 since 2004, when she took up the cause after her mother, Margery, fell ill with the disease.

She said: “Before my mother had macular disease diagnosed she was a very independent woman, who loved walking and visiting friends. She loved reading and led a full and active life.

“Then, at 79, she was told the devastating news she had macular degeneration and would gradually lose her central vision – leaving her unable to see faces, watch television or read.

“The MDS helped us so much, when mum died in December 2008 I nominated them to benefit in lieu of flowers at my mother’s funeral.”

Mrs Wardle, who teaches piano, violin and viola, founded the Esterhazy Ensemble, a chamber music group of professionally trained musicians, in 2004 and has since organised and performed in a whole series of concerts to benefit the MDS.

Tom Bremridge, MDS chief executive, said: “Macular disease can be a frightening and disabling condition, but often patients are able to enjoy life and make the best of their vision because of the wonderful work so many people do.

"There are doctors, nurses, eye clinic staff, rehabilitation workers, fundraisers and volunteers whom we want to thank.

“These awards recognise the excellent work which goes on and I am delighted Liz Wardle’s work has been recognised.”

Winners received their awards at the society’s conference in London on Saturday, September 19, with presentations made by the BBC’s disability affairs correspondent and presenter of the Radio 4 In Touch programme, Peter White.

For more information on the disease call 0845 2412041.