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UPDATE: Katie and I completed the half marathon today. The weather was kind and although a little breezy, we had blue skies and sunshine. Our official time was 2:05 which is pretty impressive considering this was Katie's first attempt at anything like this and the fact that we didn't really do much training. Go, go Katie. Ironman next?
Now most of you who know me will know that a half marathon is not the worst challenge I have done before, but the fact that I am running it with my friend Katie who is visually impaired may grab your interest a little more and make you more inclined to donate. In fact it is the worst challenge I have ever done (in Katie's words, not mine)!
Katie suffers from RP.
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the name given to a group of inherited diseases of the retina (Structure of the Eye) that all lead to a gradual progressive reduction in vision. Difficulties with night vision and peripheral vision are the first things that are noticed. Later, reading vision (detailed vision) and colour vision are affected. The age at which symptoms start is variable and may vary with the different genetic types (Genetics and Retinitis Pigmentosa). The rate at which vision deteriorates is variable but is generally very slow with changes occurring over years rather than months. In approximately half of all cases (50 to 60%) there are other family members with RP. There are three main inheritance patterns, autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant and X-linked inheritance, depending on the genetic cause (Genetics and Retinitis Pigmentosa). RP affects approximately 1 in 3,000 to 4,000 people.
Katie has reached the stage where she has limited vision and is putting her faith in me to get her around the course without any falls, bumps or mishaps. It is the first half marathon she has ever run and just getting round will be a monumental achievement for her. Imagine doing the same blindfolded and this will not be far from the truth.
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So please dig deep and donate now.
http://www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk
