I know it's cliche but ever since I was a kid I have always wanted to run the London Marathon. I had it in my head that I would run it before I hit the age of 30, however, due to injury I have had to put it off until now.

Running has always been my calm place, a place to escape my thoughts, a place of solitude and reflection in my very busy world. It’s the one place I can truly ‘switch off’ and think of nothing but how I am going to get to the next mile. Don’t get me wrong, the thought of waking up on a cold January morning to run 10 miles, 3 times a week is rather daunting, but it’s also really exciting. I just keep thinking about the moment I cross the finish line on the 28th April and the feeling of achievement, pride and most of all exhaustion. It’s going to be awesome!!!

I have chosen to run for The Greater London Fund for the Blind because I personally struggle with my vision and have done for many years. Since a young age, I have been virtually blind in my right eye, which was never an issue because my left eye always overcompensated meaning my vision day to day was fine. However, in recent years, I have developed a condition in my right eye called Retinoschisis, which is when an area of the retina has separated into two layers, resulting in severe loss of vision, and potential rental detachment. This means that I am now prone to severe migraines, and I have to be careful when playing any contact sport in case I get I knock to the head and cause a detachment. There is also a very real risk of developing Retinoschisis in my left eye, which would mean I would basically lose any clarity in my vision and eventually go blind.

Sight is one of those things people take for granted, and until you have a problem with it you don’t realise how much it means to you. The GLFB raises money to help the blind and partially sighted. They also fund special projects to improve the lives of people affected by sight loss. 

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. By donating you will not only be supporting me in the 2019 London Marathon but you will also be making a direct and positive impact on many lives. 

Thank you!

Robin