Seeing is believing for netball stars

Leana de Bruin. Photo / Greg Bowker

Tonight they are rivals but last night they united, lighting 5000 candles - each one representative of a sight-saving operation for the world's poorest people.

The ColourPlus Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and LG Northern Mystics netball teams, who compete tonight in Rotorua, lit the candles at the Trusts Stadium in Waitakere City to launch the 5000 Miracles charitable appeal. The appeal to pay for 5000 sight operations is run by the world's largest disability charity, CBM, which helps people with disabilities in developing countries.

Waikato Magic defender Leana de Bruin, a CBM New Zealand ambassador, said that without good sight she could not be living her dream of being an international netballer.

"Most of us take our sight for granted, yet for the poorest of the poor, sight can make the difference between life and an early death."