<p>Ryan and I have decided to run the Bristol 10k in aid of the NERC (National Eye Research Centre).</p> <p>The NERC is a charity funding research into some of the most prevalent degenerative and disabling eye conditions and the prevention of blindness.</p> <p>There are many charities seeing to the welfare of the blind and partially sighted, but it is only successful eye research that will lead to a reduction in the number of people with eye problems.</p> <p>Here are some shocking statistics;</p> <p>Globally, the number of people of all ages living with <strong>sight loss </strong>is estimated to be <strong>285 million</strong>, of whom <strong>39 million are blind</strong></p> <p>An estimated <strong>19 million children </strong>worldwide have sight loss</p> <p>About 90% of the world's visually impaired live in developing countries</p> <p>Every <strong>5 seconds</strong>, one person in the world goes blind.</p> <p>BUT, crucially, <strong>80% of all sight loss can be prevented or cured </strong>and the NERC is funding critical research to make that happen.</p> <p>On a personal note, the NERC is the charity which funds my PhD - researching the genetic regulation of retinal development and it's link to Congenital Stationary Night Blindness.</p> <p>Please give whatever you can. Your generosity will be funding research into the gift of sight.</p> <p>Thank you</p> <p>x</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>