**Running the 2026 London Marathon… Blindfolded!

Supporting the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC)**

In April 2026, I’ll be taking on the iconic London Marathon — but with a twist: I’ll be running it completely blindfolded.

Why? Because I want to shine a light on what is possible without sight, and to raise vital funds for an incredible charity supporting children and young people with visual impairments: the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC).

This challenge is very personal to me. My younger brother Bobby was diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease when he was 10 years old — a rare, inherited genetic eye condition that causes progressive central vision loss in children and young adults. Growing up alongside him meant becoming acutely aware of the hurdles he faced every single day. Simple things most of us take for granted, like reading the board at school or accessing worksheets, became difficult or impossible without special enlargement. Books and printed materials always needed adapting. Extra time, extra help, and extra patience were essential, and he often had to rely on teachers or classmates for tasks that should have been independent.

Physical activity brought its own challenges. Many sports or athletic events were effectively off limits for anyone with visual impairment, not because of ability, but because the support structures simply weren’t there. Seeing how these barriers affected him — not just practically, but socially and emotionally — has stayed with me ever since.

That’s why RSBC’s work matters so much.

They are the leading national charity for blind and partially sighted children, young people, and their families. Across England and Wales, RSBC provides life changing support: practical advice, education and employment guidance, emotional wellbeing services, social groups, events, and a community where young people with visual impairments can feel confident, understood, and empowered. They help families navigate challenges that can feel overwhelming, and they give children the chance to thrive, not just cope.

I won’t be doing this challenge alone. I’ll be guided by my friend Alex Backhouse, whose own connection to inherited sight loss is profound — both of his siblings and his father live with similar genetic visual impairments. Together, we want to raise awareness, spark conversation, and show what determination, teamwork, and the right support can achieve.

Running 26.2 miles blindfolded is going to be tough, disorienting, and very likely humbling — which is exactly the point. If even a fraction of that struggle highlights the everyday resilience required of young people with visual impairments, then every step will be worth it.

Your support will make a real, lasting difference.

Please donate whatever you can and help RSBC continue their vital work with children and families who need them.

Thank you so much for reading — and for being part of this journey.

Footnote: The world record for a blindfolded marathon is 3 hours 20 minutes. Whilst I have registered with Guinness World Records the official attempt, the main aim is getting round in one piece and raising some money for an amazing cause, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to break it!