When I was 3 a doctor told my mum I'd lose my sight, I was to go back in 2 weeks for a follow-up and that was that. 

Many years later through sheer grit, determination and support from my family, I am living my best and most wonderfully chaotic full life. It's been pretty tough at times though and for a lot of it, I tried to pretend that it wasn't an issue. But it was, and it took me a long time to get confident and get comfortable with telling people I can't see very well and I need help. 

I dug deep to find that courage and in doing so everything got better. Now I work for the RNIB and I am determined to make it easier for everyone with sight loss to be confident and courageous without waiting years for it to be OK, to know where to go for help and to know that our society is ready to support. 

I acknowledge and appreciate the journey that my sight loss has taken me on. I'm passionate, confident, driven and determined as a result but I wonder if things might have been different, easier or even less traumatic if someone was there all those years ago and said Let me help you now. 

The RNIB can be that person. Me, Davie, Suzy, Wills and Jenny will all be running, gliding or skipping the double dash this year. The money we hope to raise through this brilliant, inspirational event will help us reach more people with sight loss and let them know we're here now. 

xxx