I’m running the TCS London Marathon 2024 with #TeamRetinaUK!

Your donations will mean that Retina UK can do more what of what they do best, supporting those affected by inherited sight loss and funding pioneering research.

I am one of those people affected by inherited sight loss. Having been born with RP (Retinitis Pigmentosa) and had incredible medical support for many years, it is time for me to give something back.

For those of you not familiar with RP nor myself, RP is a rare eye condition which affects the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. My form of RP creates “night blindness” and poor peripheral vision. I’m now at a point in life where I ultimately have tunnel vision. I actually saw a funny way of describing RP recently, “seeing a pen at the other side of the room but, tripping over the elephant on my way to pick up the pen”, how very true!!

I’ve always been blessed to have supportive family, friends & colleagues around me, which has made living with RP all that bit easier. I’m the type of person that strives to live as normal life as possible, taking the view that “there is always someone worse off than you Ash”. One example, our service men & women, protecting us all daily, which can sometimes result in life changing injuries and worse. Therefore, needing a hand or shoulder in a cinema or pub is not a big problem is it really Ash?

I’ve never liked talking about my eye condition and still to this day, try avoid it with new people I meet until I’ve got no choice (usually when I trip over, miss a handshake etc). So putting this out publically feels like more of a challenge than doing the actual marathon! But I shouldn’t be so afraid to tell people, 99% of those that have been told over the years have been amazing. One person, a 19 year old by the name of Jacob Brooks learned of my eye sight last year at our Xmas party, when he started working for me. All I can say is, what a great young man, he helped me like he had known of my eye condition for 10 years, true natural. I mention Jacob as he will be running the TCS London Marathon with me for #TeamRetinaUK 💪 I’ll try keep up with him but worst ways, I know he will be at the finish line to see me over 😂👍

I think that’s all from me. I just want to thank you in advance for any kind donations you can give which will help Retina UK but also help motivate me over the coming months.

Finally, aside from donations, thank you to everyone that has helped me in my life, past & present. You will know who you are as I certainly know who you are (I might have a rubbish eye sight but I’ve got an amazing memory 😉).

Thanks,

Ash.