Running for the blind and partially sighted

I'm running the Bristol Half Marathon on 23rd September 2018, with a team from my office to raise money for charity. At aged 51 and not having run for some years this is a real challenge! As a glass wearer from a very young age, I have always been a big advocate for charities that support partially sighted and blind people. My mother was diagnosed with glaucoma some years ago and recently with macular degeneration which has left her partially sighted. Being a very determined person she wasn't going to let this stop her enjoying things in life.. She was helped in this goal with the fantastic support of Vision North Somerset. Vision North Somerset offer life changing opportunities to local visually impaired people. Our purpose is to give people with sensory loss an opportunity to reach their potential, to be independent and to participate in their local community. Why the community needs us Our project is a one stop shop which offers support to people of all ages including helping people get into work and education. Enabling blind and partially sighted people to participate in their community means they can experience the opportunities that are open to everyone. Offering good quality, well supported volunteering opportunities can prepare volunteers for work and help to change their lives too. Our impact on the community Both visually impaired people and the volunteers that support them will benefit from joining in with community activities. The outcomes of these opportunities will be an improvement in health and wellbeing and a reduction in social isolation and depression which can often occur due to loneliness. And joining our swimming club will certainly help to improve fitness!