In this photo, Richard stands proudly in the middle of the park, exuding confidence and energy. He is dressed in a bright yellow Eye Matter T-shirt, which stands out vividly against the green grass, paired with black Adidas track bottoms and well-worn white trainers that carry the marks of many miles covered. In his hand, he holds his white cane, angled towards the ground, a symbol of independence and resilience.

Richard’s expression is one of joy and pride, his broad smile capturing the moment perfectly. His appearance reflects the results of his recent efforts: his double chin has disappeared, giving his face a leaner look, while only the faintest remnants of his former “moobs” remain visible beneath the shirt. He looks healthier, lighter, and fitter, a man clearly on the move and enjoying the process.

Behind him, the park stretches out with scattered autumn leaves, rows of tall trees, and distant figures, but the focus is unmistakably on Richard — bold in yellow, smiling brightly, and standing tall in his element.

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In the home of champions for our Eye Matter visually impaired champion Richard Simpson.

The 42nd Authentic Athens Marathon took place, November 9, 2025, with over 70,000 people. Although specific numbers for disabled participants were unavailable it would seem that there was only one blind marathon winner - Richard Simpson and his guide Theo.

It took place under a changeable sky, upon a dual carriageway (closed from traffic) and marked by a blue line, from marathon to the Stadium in Athens(26.2miles). A time limit of 8 hours was allocated for medal qualifiers. Evidently, although this is a standard length in some African marathons it is shortened to 4 hours to create a more competitive event.

Unlike most blind runners Richard wasn’t tethered to Theo as he felt confident enough using his white cane and remaining sight (out of only one eye) yet, did need a sighted guide for some aspects of safety. Theo was able to warn Richard of the many cables taped to the surface which monitored each participant, frequent appearances of pot holes, uneven surfaces, water stations and ensuring he was safe when runners were coming too close. Richard explained how some participants insisted on pushing between them or barging past him oblivious of Richard’s white cane much to the annoyance of other runners. The two men first met (April 2023)whilst completing the 500 miles Camino de Santiago which is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that stretch across Europe, all leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in north-western Spain.

Richard confessed that although he was used to long distance walking, he found the first stage very demanding due to the gradual incline. The Athens Marathon's challenging Hill begins around the 18 km mark and continues until approximately the 31 km mark, covering a distance of about 13 km. During this section, runners ascend approximately 210 meters, reaching a peak elevation of 247 meters above sea level. Richard added once accomplished he was ecstatic and they were able to continue downhill at a brisk pace for the last 10miles into the Stadium. With an average of 4miles an hour and only two calls of nature breaks, they achieved this magnificent challenge, in around 7 hours. Throughout the marathon Richard and Theo received so much encouragement from fellow participants, crowds lining the route and a standing ovation once they entered the stadium.

Over the past year, Richard has been involved in various activities, not only to improve his over -all fitness, but also his stamina. He has walked alongside the Thames Pathway (starting in Greenwich and reaching Buckinghamshire), several Park Runs and a strict gym regime. He said after completing the marathon “I have never felt better and am looking forward to my next challenge!”

On behalf of Eye Matter we would like to sincerely thank Richard for his time, money and determination put into this amazing achievement. We have nearly raised £2000 so please continue to dig deep and show your appreciation to Richard’s achievement as the one an only blind man to conquer the 2025 Athens Marathon.

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Richard’s Big Blind Waddle: Waddling the Athens Marathon for Eye Matter

I’m not quite a runner, not quite a walker — more of a waddler, really. But this November, I’ll be waddling all 26.2 miles of the Athens Marathon to raise money for Eye Matter, a small charity that’s all heart and no waffle.

The Athens Marathon has a history as epic as the challenge itself. It traces back to the ancient Greek messenger Pheidippides, who in 490 BC is said to have run from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce victory over the Persians — before collapsing. His legendary effort inspired the creation of the modern marathon, and today thousands retrace that same route each year. I may waddle rather than sprint, but I’ll be covering the same historic ground.

My Sight Loss Story

I’m Seriously Sight Impaired — registered blind due to glaucoma. My world narrowed slowly and painfully: first the edges blurred, then faces became harder to read, then the familiar turned into shadows. It’s frustrating, humbling, and at times exhausting. But it’s never stopped me moving forward — sometimes literally one stubborn step at a time.

My Fundraising Journey

That stubbornness has carried me further than most would expect. I’ve:

- Walked John O’Groats to Land’s End, one end of Britain to the other.

- Trekked the Camino de Santiago across Spain.

- Kayaked the Thames from its source all the way to Greenwich.

- Taken on the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrim route to Rome.

None of it has been graceful — plenty of blisters, wobbles, wrong turns, and questionable shorts. But each mile has raised money for causes that matter and proved that sight loss is no barrier to ambition.

Why Eye Matter?

Because it’s different. Eye Matter is run by doers, not PR wafflers. No glossy campaigns, no six-figure salaries, no committees churning out spin. Just passionate volunteers putting on over 200 events a year:

- Audio-described tours that bring galleries and museums alive.

- Creative workshops in music, theatre, and art.

- Confidence-building courses from public speaking to tech skills.

- Peer-support groups and socials that stop isolation in its tracks.

- Outdoor activities and a community choir that keep people moving and connected.

For many members, Eye Matter isn’t just a charity. It’s a lifeline.

Why Me?

I’m not a committee man and never will be. I’m more of a quiet, shy rebel — someone who proves a point by doing, not talking. That’s why I believe so strongly in Eye Matter: it encourages independence, not dependence.

My guiding words come from Dylan Thomas:

“Do not go gentle into that good night.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

That line sums me up. I could sit back, fade quietly, and let sight loss define me. Or I can waddle forward, take on a marathon I’ve no business running, and turn it into something that makes a difference.

Why Donate?

Maybe you like me, maybe you don’t. Maybe you admire the stubborn streak, or maybe you think I’m ridiculous for attempting a marathon with dodgy knees and fading vision. Either way, your money won’t change my personality — but it will change lives.

So laugh at my waddle, roll your eyes at my madness, cheer me on, or secretly hope I fall flat on my face. But do one thing: dig deep. Because every penny you give goes directly to helping blind and partially sighted people live fuller, more independent lives.

👉 Be generous. Be quick. Be part of the waddle.

Learn more about Eye Matter: https://www.eyematter.org.uk/