Challenge 1👀0 🏃‍♂️

My name is Tom Skinner and I’m registered partially sighted with a sight condition called Nystagmus as well been shorted sighted. I’m 35 married and have 1 daughter. I work full time in a professional job. I’ve had Nystagmus since birth. 

Many of you might have seen over the years I have completed lots fundraising activities for Sight Support HEY. Mainly involving cycling, running and swimming. I’ve also taken part in K2 Abseil, HOTA charity Dunk and 3 peaks challenge.

I love been outdoors and living life to the full. I have grown up with a sight condition but have never allowed it to stop me achieving anything I want to do. 

Life can be full of challenges for us all and we all have our own ways to get on. I choose to give anything a go and to challenge myself. Much to my wife’s despair  at times. 

My father has always encouraged me to cycle and I have commuted my many years. Like many people with a sight impairment I’m unable to drive. I hate relying on lifts and getting from A to B. All it takes is planning a bit more time and some faith in public transport, technology and also the right mind set.

For the last 4 years I’ve commuted from Beverley to Leeds for work. A 9 mile bike ride to Hull station and then to Leeds on the train. Last year I’ve cycled over 5400 miles in all weathers. 

I have recently returned to working in Hull however my commute on the bike remains the same. 

‘Familiarity’ is the biggest word that comes to mind on the way I deal with my sight condition.  I’m sure this is very often the case with people that have low vision. 

Challenge 1000 is all about pushing myself this year I’ve entered over 15 runs ranging from flat 10k’s to Manchester Marathon in April and my 3rd Great North Run for Sight Support along with some off roads trail runs. 

I’m aiming to run 1000 Miles this year in 2020

I’ve already taken part in a few races already and I’m over 200 miles up. I recently ran a head torch run round Dalby Forest. A very strange experience but some what interesting experience. 

It makes me really think what a person with no sight or tunnel vision must experience on a day to day basis. How do they manage, how do they get out and about and what skills do they need to learn to make sure they are not restricted by a sight condition.

This is why I fundraise for Sight Support. They support, encourage and help anyone to achieve. The community spirt at Sight Support is fantastic. They are fully funded by donations with no government funding.

Help me to help them carry on providing a fantastic support service to in Hull and East Yorkshire.

No running required from you just a small donation would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks for reading and if you see me running give me a shout.

Tom 

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