Running Together: Matty and Neil Take on the Great North Run for VSBD

On Sunday 13 September, visually impaired runner Mathew ‘Matty’ Lamb and his guide runner Neil Ward will take on the Great North Run to raise vital funds for Vision Support Barrow and District (VSBD) — a registered charity doing incredible work to support visually impaired people of all ages throughout South West Cumbria.

For Matty, taking part in the Great North Run represents far more than completing a 13.1-mile course. It is a personal journey of resilience, confidence and determination.

Matty has always enjoyed running and, in 2016, took on the challenge of the Keswick to Barrow walk. However, just minutes from the finish line, he collapsed and was taken to Furness General Hospital, where doctors suspected he had suffered a heart attack. After four nights in hospital, he was transferred to Blackpool Hospital for a further two nights and fitted with a loop recorder to monitor his heart.

A few years later, following a sprained ankle, an irregular heartbeat was detected and, in 2019, Matty had a pacemaker fitted.

Then, two years ago, Matty’s life changed dramatically when he lost his eyesight as a result of a rare mitochondrial disease.

“The reason I lost my sight is one in a million. It’s so, so rare.”

Despite this life-changing setback, Matty has been determined to get back to doing something he loves. Earlier this year, with the support of guide runners, he was able to take up running again and decided to enter the Great North Run.

By taking part, Matty hopes not only to raise much-needed funds for VSBD — a charity that has supported him through his sight loss — but also to rebuild his confidence and show others that, with the right support, it is possible to continue enjoying sport and physical activity after a life-changing event.

Neil Ward, aged 67, retired at the end of 2025 and has since volunteered with VSBD, initially supporting partially sighted adults with treks and social walks. A social runner with the Glaxo Hoad Hill Harriers running club in Ulverston, Neil was more than happy to step in when Matty’s original guide runner unfortunately broke her ankle and was unable to take part.

Neil’s support will enable Matty to achieve his goal of lining up at the Great North Run and, together, they hope to make it across the finish line while raising as much money as possible for VSBD.

Their story is a powerful reminder that losing your sight doesn’t have to mean losing your independence, your confidence or the activities you love. Sometimes, all it takes is the right support — and someone willing to run alongside you.

Please support Matty and Neil by donating to Vision Support Barrow and District. Every donation, however large or small, will help VSBD continue its vital work supporting visually impaired people across South West Cumbria.

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