Hello, my name is Dave Beynon. Thank you for visiting my Just Giving page today.

I shall be running the Great South Run on this 16^th October to raise money for Sight for Surrey, on what is their centenary year. The GSR is a popular annual, organized running event held in the Portsmouth and Southsea areas and is a 16 kilometre (10 mile) distance.

Sight for Surrey is a charitable organization that offers lifetime support for people suffering with sight and hearing loss.

I am a person with severe sight loss myself, and well know and understand the difficulties and challenges this disability imposes upon a person’s life: Sight for Surrey are here to offer that
lifetime support!

I am approaching 71 years young now but started running only around three and a half years ago, when I decided to try running a 5K local Parkrun. I loved it straight away, and by the time I do the Great South Run, I will have completed over 100 Parkruns!

Currently, my best time in this event is 24.54, but I hope to beat this time soon! I run with volunteer guides who are faster than I am, so can safely talk and guide me around the course.

I am a member of two running clubs and have lost count of how many runs I have done to date, but it’s in the hundreds!

Back in March this year, I did my very first half marathon and achieved a time of just under 2 hours 9 mins; I know I can do much better than this upon my next one!

I have had quite a few setbacks during my first three and a half years, ranging from muscle strains, ankle injuries, falls, cuts & bruises, collisions and even a near-fatal asthma attack, (I didn't know I had asthma at the time!) but I bounce back every time with strong resolve and a real love of running and being with my many truly amazing running friends, who make it possible for me to do this - they all deserve so much credit; Thank You so very much everyone!

As for the future, well, I fully intend to continue with Parkruns, my club runs and many more organised events at 10K and half marathon distances; I would also like to do organized competitive races for people of my age and ability.

I have ambitions that one day, I might even become a national title winner, or even hold a word title!

My own motto is “Without ambition, there is no fruition”

It is going to be a real pleasure and privilege to run for Sight for Surrey!