Paul & David's story

Paul:-

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a degenerative disease of the eye that leads to loss of vision and blindness. Retina UK works hard to stimulate and fund cutting edge research to find a treatment or cure and support those affected. You can learn more by visiting www.retinauk.org.uk

At the age of 33 after years of " some what clumsy " accidents i was rather harshly diagnosed with RP & confirmed by my consultant that my eyesight would dramatically get worse over the coming years , causing increased tunnel vision, night blindness, cataracts & eventually total blindness. Apart from the total devastation & emotional distress i felt from this, my first knock on effect was having my driving licence taken from me, severly affecting my immediate independence & a promising career within the Travel industry. If this diagnosis was not enough i was informed that my son could also inherit this disease!!

RP affects 1 in 4000 people within the UK, as it is a complex condition with many genes - there is no cure or treatment, although research is being done with stem cell therapy as well as bionic retinal technology.

I am confident that there will be a cure found as humans are capable of so many incredible things, although perhaps not in my lifetime, probably for future generations

I never ever let this define me & that is why I am determined to complete this tandem cycle in order to raise awareness & funds to support any further research that may be done - for our future generations.

RP is not life threatening, although it is deeply life affecting for the recipient as well as friends & family.

I would sincerely ask everyone who reads this to please donate so that together we can make a huge difference in our Mission to cure this debilitating condition.

I am so thrilled that David has offered to participate & support myself & my family in this adventure. Please read his story below - it's incredible!