Hi everyone <3 

I'm running the London Landmarks Half Marathon this April and fundraising for the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People), a charity near and dear to my heart.

Every day, 250 people in the UK start losing their sight. 340,000 people are currently registered blind or partially sighted. 

My wonderful dad, Harry, was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 21. This is a rare ocular condition affecting the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye. The cells of the retina break down over time, causing gradual vision loss. There is currently no cure for retinitis pigmentosa. 

Public attitudes towards sight loss are rooted in stereotypes and a lack of knowledge about visual impairment. The majority of the UK general population agrees that blind and partially sighted people are not treated the same as everyone else. Despite legislation that aims to protect the rights of people with a visual impairment, the accessibility of products, information and services is still not an area where people have equality of experience.

Being told you are losing your sight can be challenging to come to terms with, with many not receiving essential support in relation to their visual impairment. Many face isolation and depression, unable to achieve their potential in a world that remains terribly inaccessible for those with sight loss. My family know the impact of this first-hand. 

The RNIB aim to tackle these stereotypes and improve accessibility for all with a visual impairment. They offer practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers. They raise awareness of the experiences of people with sight loss, and campaign for change to make our society more accessible and welcoming for all.

Here's how even a small donation can help support the RNIB and the wonderful work they do:

- £5 helps to RNIB be there for a blind or partially sighted person when they contact their Helpline.

- £10 can cover the cost of 100 blind and partially sighted people tuning into RNIB Connect Radio, run by and for people with sight loss, to promote independence and reduce social isolation.

- £15 can provide free Talking Books to someone for a month.

- £20 can help someone feel more confident about living with sight loss, with personalised support on a topic like reading, technology or their eye condition from our expert Advice Service.

- £50 can help someone feel more positive about the future after losing their sight, through a one-to-one phone or online counselling session.

The work the RNIB do is invaluable when it comes to helping those with sight loss. Any donation, big or small, would mean the world to me.

For the RNIB, for my dad, I shall run!

Tash x 

For more information key information and statistics on sight loss in the UK, please visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/professionals/health-social-care-education-professionals/knowledge-and-research-hub/key-information-and-statistics-on-sight-loss-in-the-uk/. 

And to find out more about how your money can help, please visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/get-involved/donate/how-your-money-helps/.