Blind Runner Wayne Takes on the Bridgwater Half Marathon 6th September 2026

On 6th September 2026, I will once again stand on a start line facing a challenge that many people thought would be impossible.

My name is Wayne Pope. I am a blind runner living with Rare Sight-Loss Disease Retinitis Pigmentosa, a progressive sight-loss condition that has taken much of my vision and changed my life forever.

There was a time when losing my sight could have defined my future.

Instead, I chose to fight back.

Running became more than exercise. It became freedom, independence, determination and proof that disability does not have to stop you from achieving extraordinary things.

In September 2025, I achieved something I never thought possible: completing my first-ever half marathon at the Bridgwater Half Marathon while raising funds for Cancer Research UK. Every mile was driven by the knowledge that the money raised would help support life-saving research and give hope to people affected by cancer. One Year later, I am returning to Bridgwater Half once again, inspired by that experience and determined to raise even more funds to help Cancer Research UK continue its incredible work.

Since then, my journey has continued.

In April 2026, I completed the London Marathon, one of the world’s greatest endurance events, crossing the finish line on The Mall after 26.2 miles of determination, resilience and teamwork. It was a moment that showed what can be achieved when barriers are challenged and limits are refused.

Now I am returning to where part of this journey began.

The Bridgwater Half Marathon 2026 is more than just another race.

It is a chance to continue raising money for a cause that touches almost every family in the country.

Every year, cancer changes lives. It affects parents, children, grandparents, friends, colleagues and loved ones. Research has transformed survival rates, but there is still so much more work to do.

By supporting this challenge, you are helping Cancer Research UK continue its life-saving work:

* Developing new treatments

* Funding groundbreaking research

* Improving survival rates

* Bringing hope to families facing cancer

On race day I will tackle 13.1 miles as a visually impaired runner, navigating the course through preparation, determination and the support of those around me.

Every mile represents something bigger than a personal challenge.

It represents hope.

It represents resilience.

It represents the belief that together we can help create a future where more people survive cancer.

Whether you can donate £1, £5, £10 or more, every contribution makes a difference.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this page and helping spread the message.

Thank you for supporting me, supporting Cancer Research UK, and proving that blindness is not the end of the journey—it is simply a different way of finding the finish line.

Together, let’s turn every step into hope and every mile into progress.

“The challenge isn’t the distance in front of you. It’s having the courage to take the first step.”