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.

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/