A blind volunteer is taking part in the Great Manchester Marathon on the 2nd of April to raise funds for Outside the Box, Ilkley.

Richard Thompson is one of many volunteers at Ilkley's, Outside the Box, a registered charity. Richard is blind and will be assisted by his old friend Mike Spence who is also running his first 26 mile marathon run.

How does a blind person and his friend manage to run one mile never mind 26? The answer is a simple one - they use a football sock. They tie a knot at each end of a sock and Richard holds one knot and Mike holds the other. Now they can run comfortably side by side without Richard wandering off. Where there's a will there's a way, it could almost be the Outside the Box motto.

"I have witnessed first-hand the boost to each individual members confidence and increase in their self esteem, through attending Outside the Box" Richard said. "As a volunteer, I must confess that there have been times when I feel that I have taken away more than I have given, during my Wednesday music sessions at the Music Box. The members are great people to work with and can be an inspiration to us all."

Would you like to sponsor Richard and Mike? They have been so impressed with the Members, volunteers and staff of Outside the Box, and their achievements to date, that they have set up a "Just Giving" site to help this much needed project with their future ambitions.

All contributions to the Just Giving site will go directly to Outside the Box, Ilkley