Royal National Institute of Blind People's Katie Blakely (pictured) has joined the team at the TCS London Marathon, held April 23.
Blakely, an eye care liaison officer (ECLO) under RNIB and the NHS, will be running with her friend Gina Tye, who is also a contact lens optician, to support the charity's efforts to raise awareness for the challenges of blind and partially sighted people.
Blakely said: 'I’ve worked within the eye health sector for many years which means I’ve seen the impact sight loss can have on people. RNIB provides so many great services to patients and there is huge demand for them. I’d like to raise money for RNIB so that the charity can continue the brilliant work.'
Blakely has been running for nine years and said she can’t wait to race across the finish line as the London Marathon has been on my bucket list for ages. She exceeded their fundraising goal of £2,000, which is currently at £3,140, by hosting raffles, charity bake sales, and dance classes.
Chris Perrin, interim challenge events senior manager at RNIB, said: ‘We are incredibly grateful to have Katie and Gina raise money for RNIB. The money raised will help us continue to work towards a world without barriers for the 250 people who start to lose their sight every day in the UK. We wish both of them the best of luck and we’ll be in the crowd cheering them on all the way.’
To sponsor Katie and support RNIB, please donate at: www.justgiving.com/katieandgina.
