I love running. Whoever you are and wherever you are, you can pull on your trainers and know that when you finish will feel better for doing it. You see new places, set new goals , and challenge yourself in different ways every time. I also love to watch other people running. The world athletic championships will start later this month and when everyone lines up at the start line, what will inspire me, is the idea that no matter where they are from, or how wealthy they are, they are all on an equal playing field. Current controversy aside! Every one has the same chance to beat their goals or even win the race.

I wish that were true in all aspects of life. It certainly isn't with health care. Thankfully charities like Vision Aid Overseas are helping to address the issue of inequality in eye care. I have been involved with the charity since I qualified as an optometrist and have been able to see, first hand, the results of the great work they do. The charity is dedicated to transforming access to eye care in developing countries. They utilise optometry volunteers from the UK to provide eye examinations in health centres and rural settings. Latterly they have also been heavily involved in training local people in VAO health centres with the aim of eventually seeing the countries reach self sufficiency.

 The need for the charity is great with around 670 million people, 10% of the world's population, disadvantaged by poor vision due to a lack of spectacles. That means 670 million people with healthy eyes, do not see, simply because they don’t have spectacles. 

 If you wear spectacles you will appreciate just how challenging your day would be without them. Imagine the educational, occupational and social disadvantage that people with similar precriptions face. 

I have done a number of runs before, ranging from endurance events such as tough mudder and the London marathon to 10k races through Edinburgh at the tails of my twin brother. This will be a new challenge to run at altitude in the highest city in Africa...and i can't wait!

I have quite a substantial sponsorship target to reach and i would be thrilled with any donation people could afford to give. So , get your specs on, think how lucky you are to have them….and get sponsoring. Thank you!