2024 hasn't been the easiest of years for many but for my brother Richard it certainly has been the most challenging yet.

Following a routine eye test at Specsavers, Richard was referred to the Great Western Hospital for further tests. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with B.E.S.T - Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy, a genetic condition that causes distorted and blurred vision, resulting in loss of central vision.

Understandably this was a huge shock for Richard and ourselves, at the age of 22, Richard is considered very young to be diagnosed with B.E.S.T, often diagnosis is over the age of 40.

Unfortunately there is no treatment for this disease at the moment but research is underway to identify the genes responsible for this life changing disease. Hopefully in the future this will lead to treatments for individuals like Richard.

I have decided to take on the challenge of running the TCS London Marathon in 2025 to fundraise for the Macular Society to enable them to continue their incredible support for those with macular conditions and to raise funds for research to hopefully find a treatment for B.E.S.T.

The Macular Society are a registered charity in the UK that provide support for those with macular conditions by providing individual and group support for all ages, providing a helpline and counselling support.

Additionally, the Macular Society fund world-class research to improve the quality of life for those with macular disease and their families. Research has led to anti-VEGF injections for wet age-related macular degeneration but unfortunately for many other macular conditions there are no treatments available.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.