Myself and my friend, Managing Director of Euroglaze, Martin Nettleton are taking on a 1,000k virtual cycle challenge throughout January 2021, in support of their Charity of the Year partner, Retina UK. 

Martin Nettleton and his brother were both diagnosed with the progressive condition Retinitis Pigmentosa, a condition that means the light sensitive cells in the back of the eye are reproduced with a pigmentation that renders them less and less sensitive to light as time goes by.

At the age of twelve, with a loss of night vision as the first symptom, they were both faced with the prospect of complete blindness.

Since then, the efforts of organisations such as Retina UK and the brilliance of teams such as those headed up by Professor Robert McClaren at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, have meant that through technological advancements a life of darkness was no longer inevitable.

One of the treatments for Retina Pigmentosa involves the injection of a virus into the back of the eye, which renders the genetically defective eye cells harmless. This was initially hailed as a means of stopping the deterioration of a sufferer’s sight.  Now, the treatment pioneered in Oxford has been picked up and is being trialled all over the world. 

The exciting outcome of the treatment being that not only does it halt the progress of the condition, but many sufferers experience a degree of improvement in their vision.

Martin can no longer navigate safely without the use of a white cane and cannot see the facial features of those around him, but with the help of Retina UK and the incredible scientists, he and his brother have a fighting chance of having their sight protected. 

Due to Covid restrictions and the likelihood of some cold January weather, we’re looking to complete this cycle challenge virtually.

You’ll be able to track our progress on this JustGiving page as it will be linked to our Strava event. 

Any donations for this brilliant cause would be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you 

Danny 😊