Bill and I are running the marathon to raise funds for the RNIB.

This is our chosen charity because they have provided so much help and support to my Grandad over the past 10 years. Back in 1998, he was diagnosed with Dry Macular Degeneration, for which there is currently no treatment available. This essentially means that he has gradually lost his central (sharp) vision leaving him with only some blurred peripheral vision. As a result, he has been certified blind since 2000.

However, he’s a strong-minded character and whereas his condition has stopped him driving and meant that he had to give up some of his favourite pastimes such as golf and gardening, he has still maintained his independence and is determined to continue looking after himself.

During this time, the RNIB have provided a huge amount of support to enable Grandad to continue as normal a life as possible. He has been supported by a personal advisor, who is his first point of contact with the RNIB and has recommended many of their special range of products. For example, he has a talking watch, uses a postal service for talking books and has a special video camera linked to his television that enables him to read essential documents and even write his birthday cards!

I can’t imagine what life must be like without my sight and I hope I never have to. We are running this marathon to help provide support for the 100 people that start to lose their sight every day. Please give what you can and if you are a tax payer, remember to tick the gift aid box as this provides a further 28% to the charity at no extra cost to you!

Many thanks for your support.

Lou & Bill