Story
A few of my friends and others I know are either blind or partially blind who find everyday life a struggle, not being able to see clearly, never knowing what loved ones look like, learning to see through touch but it's not the same as being able to see through eyes. They think they can't live a normal life, have restrictions and dont believe they can challenge themselves by taking on sporting activities either like normal people can.
I'm taking on my first ever half marathon on Sunday 30th April to show my support that with the help of blind charities and local organisations that they can still lead a normal everyday life bringing their wellbeing up to where it should be.
I was never a good runner due to me being very overweight growing up and into adult life, always hiding away, nor wanting to be seen, which then affected my own wellbeing. In 2017 when I finally plucked up the courage with their encouragement to tackle my struggle, I started off jogging in the dark so no-one could see what I looked like & then progressively came into the light as i became less worried. A year later I tackled my first ever 10k event & never thought I could run/jog it all but just wanted to complete it. With the help of family & friends I did it, never stopped & never gave up even when it got tough. At the end I said 'never again'. Yet here I am today, a few years on, 6 stone lighter and having completed several 10k events & now completing my first ever half marathon which I never thought i'd do. My self confidence has increased more than I could've imagined but deep down I still tackle with the mental self confidence of believing in myself and getting my eyes seeing just how far I've come.
With the help of running it got my wellbeing back on track & in a healthy place but still have a little way to go. Just because you're blind/partially sighted shouldn't stop your limitations - there are runners & joggers that are trained to guide those less seeing helping them succeed in their goals & ambitions. It's incredible to see the support being given to them & proving to themselves anything is possible.
Running support is just one example but there are other amenities for help out there for other sports too, all of which help everyone's wellbeing no matter what their story or journey.