If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be running the London Marathon, I would have laughed out loud.

The truth is, I haven’t run since I was a teenager, and living with severe sight loss means that almost everything new I do is a challenge anyway, so running is the last thing on my list! Whether it’s going somewhere I’ve never been before, visiting a new shop or travelling to a new place on holiday, everything immediately is so stressful and I usually need someone by my side. I can’t just head out on my own like I used to.

Last year, I went to watch my son-in-law, Josh, run the London Marathon which was so inspirational. The atmosphere was incredible, but what really inspired me was seeing so many people with disabilities taking part. Watching them made me realise that maybe it was time to challenge myself too. So, when the opportunity came up to run for Kent Association for the Blind (KAB), I decided to say yes. Looking back, I’m still not entirely sure what I was thinking!

I have Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a rare inherited eye condition that has gradually taken my sight over the years. Today, I have only a very small amount of central vision left and am registered severely sight impaired. Everyday things that many people take for granted - driving, recognising faces from a distance, reading signs or simply going for a walk on my own are no longer possible.

Losing my sight hasn’t just affected me; it has changed my whole family’s life too. They’ve adapted alongside me, driving me where I need to go, guiding me in unfamiliar places, reading things I can no longer see and supporting me every single day. They’ve never made me feel like a burden, even though I know my sight loss has affected all of our lives. I will be forever grateful for their patience, love and unwavering support because I genuinely couldn’t do any of this without them.

Training for the marathon has already been an adventure! Because I can’t run independently, every mile relies on the generosity of a guide runner. My son-in-law, Josh, has taken on that role, giving up his own time to train with me and helping me believe that this challenge really is possible.

I’m incredibly proud to be running for Kent Association for the Blind. KAB provides vital support, advice and services to blind and partially sighted people across Kent, helping people maintain their independence and live life to the fullest despite sight loss.

The London Marathon will be the biggest physical and mental challenge I’ve ever taken on. There will no doubt be moments when I question why I signed up, but I know every step will be worth it if it helps raise money for such an amazing charity.

If you’re able to sponsor me, no matter how big or small the donation, I’d be so grateful. Your support will help KAB continue making a real difference to the lives of people living with sight loss.

Thank you so much for supporting me and helping me make every mile count.