Edinburgh Lego fan with sight loss takes on 100-brick challenge for charity

A Lego fan is challenging himself to create a mini version of Edinburgh University’s Main Library in just 100 Lego bricks to raise funds for people with sight loss.
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Edinburgh based Stewart Lamb Cromar 46, has vision loss due to a detached retina in his right eye.

In the last year, Mr Lamb Cromar has used his life-long love of Lego to help him adapt to life with sight loss.

Stewart Lamb Cromar, 46, has vision loss due to a detached retina in his right eye.Stewart Lamb Cromar, 46, has vision loss due to a detached retina in his right eye.
Stewart Lamb Cromar, 46, has vision loss due to a detached retina in his right eye.
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Now the interactive content manager is channeling his creativity with the little bricks into his unique fundraiser for the charity Sight Scotland.

He will build a miniature replica of the university’s main library using only 100 Lego blocks.

In May 2020, Mr Lamb Cromar, who has Type 1 Diabetes, suffered a detached retina and underwent five eye surgeries in the last year.

The condition means he can no longer read with his right eye, but determined not to lose one of his favourite hobbies the Lego fan has continued to build his creations.

A Lego fan is challenging himself to create a mini version of Edinburgh University’s Main Library in just 100 Lego bricks.A Lego fan is challenging himself to create a mini version of Edinburgh University’s Main Library in just 100 Lego bricks.
A Lego fan is challenging himself to create a mini version of Edinburgh University’s Main Library in just 100 Lego bricks.
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“With my vision loss, one of my biggest worries was not being able to use computers or play with Lego,” said Mr Lamb Cromar.

"I find Lego’s helped with my depth perception, working on picking up the right brick. I’m also part of a Scottish fan group is called Tartan LUG (Lego User Group) and that network has been really supportive.”

Earlier this year, he won a Lego competition at work with a 500-piece version of the university library.

The overwhelming positive response to the pictures of the build on social media spurred him on to create a 100-piece version for charity.

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Mr Lamb Cromar, who has worked at the university for over two decades said: “I’ve chosen to build the Main Library for this fundraiser because my first job was on George Square, so I always used to go to the library.

“I like the architecture as well and there’s that strong association with nice people. For me, it’s the hub of the University.”

“People resonate with Lego. I wanted to do something to capture that momentum [of the 500-piece library response].

“People read the story behind the Lego. I’ve even had donations from Lego builders in the US.

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“I think what I’ve found rewarding and surprising is how many people have got in touch on social media to say how my story has resonated with them. I hadn’t anticipated that.

“It’s been satisfying to have people brave enough to reach out and share that.”

Head of Fundraising at Sight Scotland Kerry Lindsay, said: “We’re hugely thankful to Mr Lamb Cromar for taking on this creative ‘Sight for Sight’ fundraising challenge for Sight Scotland. It’s wonderful to hear about the impact Lego has had for Stewart.

“The funds he is raising will help Sight Scotland to provide support to people with sight loss in Scotland. Every hour in Scotland, someone starts to lose their sight, therefore it is vital that Sight Scotland is there for people with sight loss and their loved ones whenever and however they need us.”

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To donate to Stewart’s fundraising challenge CLICK HERE or follow his build on Twitter.

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