I have been running for about seven years and, although I may not be the fastest or run the furthest, I run as I find it really helps with my mental as much as my physical health.

I am one of the Run Directors at Littlehampton Prom parkrun. I have always found the inclusivity of parkrun to be one of its greatest things. It doesn’t matter what your ability or disability is, everyone is welcome at parkrun. I had always looked for ways to help more and VI guide running seemed the next step. I took the English Athletics (EA) sight awareness course and qualified as a guide. I have been doing this at parkrun since.

Last summer I thought it would be great to see if there was any interest in guide running and I ended up holding four courses in August 2024 and took 28 people through the basics of how to be a guide. I have also held a course for Worthing Striders and then another 2 courses for Worthing parkrun. I am also doing a course for Run Academy Worthing in May.

VI guides need runners as much as VI runners need guides. This is where the local sight loss charities and groups are key. I know where the guides are, and they know their members. I approached a few local groups from Bognor Regis to Brighton and it was Sight Support Worthing that showed the most interest. I have been working with them since.

They are one of the charity partners at this year’s Worthing 10k event on 8th June and I will be running on their behalf. I hope to be running as a Guide on the day but if not, I will run to try and raise them some money.

If you can support in any way, then both the charity and I would be very grateful.

Thanks,

Stuart