201 miles. 20 stages. 12 months. £12,000 for Glaucoma UK.

Over 1 million people in the UK live with glaucoma, yet many don't know they have it. Glaucoma often starts silently, and the sight loss it causes is irreversible. The tragedy is that with routine eye tests, early diagnosis and treatment, much of this sight loss can be prevented.

My aim is to raise awareness, and raise money for Glaucoma UK.

I spent over 20 years as a Consultant Ophthalmologist treating patients, leading a glaucoma service and performing research seeking better diagnosis, treatment and delivery of care for patients. Now that I have retired from clinical practice I still want to support and advocate for glaucoma patients.

It is my privilege to serve as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for Glaucoma UK as I know first hand that their work makes a real difference, helping people to live well with glaucoma through their helpline, patient resources, and through funding sight saving glaucoma research.

Recently, 12,000 patients took part in the Glaucoma UK National Patient Voice Survey, candidly sharing their experiences to help the charity advocate for better glaucoma care. In tribute to their voices, I have committed to the ambitious challenge of running all 20 legs of the 200-mile Greater Manchester Ringway Route—plus one extra mile over the next 12 months.

I call this challenge 201: Going the Extra Mile for Glaucoma Patients. My goal is to raise £12,000—one pound for every patient who stood up to be counted.

Every pound raised will help Glaucoma UK continue its crucial working including

• Translating our 12,000-patient survey into powerful policy changes at the highest levels of healthcare.

• Funding the national helpline and local support groups so no one faces a diagnosis of glaucoma in fear or alone.

• Investing in the next generation of ophthalmic research to improve early detection and preserve sight.

Thank you for your extraordinary generosity in supporting me in this challenge.

Please share this page with others to raise awareness of glaucoma, and support my fundraising efforts.

Together, we can end preventable sight loss from glaucoma.