Early this year I took my final Licentiate Exam - Tap. As so many of you know Tap isn't my strongest theatre genre and something I find a challenge.  I could not have got through this exam if it wasn't for the help and support of my student Rose who spent many hours with me learning tricky rhythms, dances and combinations, and being a demonstrator for me in the exam. 

A few weeks after my exam Rose took the same exam as a student where she was nominated for an IDTA Theatre Award and got 94% for the exam! Amazing! 

Rose has no central vision, yet no one would know that looking at her. She is hard working, dedicated, passionate and a lovely student inside and out. 

Rose's eye condition is Stargardt macular dystrophy (or Stargardt disease) which is a genetic eye condition that causes progressive central sight loss. Stargardt disease is a consequence of progressive damage to the macula, which is a small area in the centre of the retina, the specialised light-sensitive layer that lines the back of the eye. The macula is responsible for our sharp, straight-ahead vision that we rely on for many activities – such as reading, recognising faces or watching TV.

Running isn't my usual "hobby" and I am more comfortable with sprung floors underfoot instead of concrete! This is certainly a challenge and one that I aim to take on with an open mind! 

This academic year is Rose's last year with us at Terri Jayne Theatre Arts and I am running this half marathon as a way of saying thank you for her hard work and her dedication.

The fight against sight loss is on the cusp of many breakthroughs, but we urgently need the funding to get there. Your donation to help me hit my target will help fund that research, and create a world everyone can see. 

Thank you and keeeeeep running!!