London Marathon
In just a few weeks time, Devon Pearce, from Woldingham, Surrey, faces a massive challenge when she takes part in the Virgin London Marathon to raise money for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
On 25th April, four days after her 24th birthday, Devon will join thousands of runners attempting the gruelling 26-mile course. She hopes to raise £1,500 for RNIB, the charity that offers practical support, advice and information to almost two million people living with sight loss in the UK.
Sight restoration
Devon, a Promotions Executive at Box Television, knows a thing or two about challenges already: a few years ago she had hereditary cataracts and started losing her sight. Struggling to do the simplest things, Devon found herself walking into doors and unable to even recognise friends in the pub. Thankfully she was able to have corrective surgery and her sight was fully restored.
Of her latest challenge, Devon confesses: "Most people who know me think I'm insane for doing this. But I know what it's like to lose your sight and this is nothing compared to that. Before my surgery, every day things became a real struggle. At times I'd cry out of sheer frustration. Now it's just my aching legs and feet that have me in tears.
RNIB
Devon continues: "RNIB is an amazing charity and they provide invaluable support, however they need our support too. Right now RNIB can only help one in three people living with sight loss, so please, dig deep and help them reach everyone."
You can sponsor Devon by visiting her online fundraising page at http://www.justgiving.co.uk/Devon-Pearce. To find out more about how you can support RNIB, visit www.rnib.org.uk/getinvolved. If you'd like to run for RNIB, the charity still has available places for numerous running events from marathons to 5k fun runs, email fundraising@rnib.org.uk for details.
- ENDS -
For further information contact: Graham Sefton, RNIB Press Office, 020 7391 2223. Out of hours mobile 07968 482812
Images available: Photo of Devon Pearce is available on request.
Notes to editors
About RNIB
Everyday around 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight. There are almost two million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.
RNIB has got a running event for everyone - from 26-mile marathons to 5k Fun Runs. We still have places available for the British 10k, the Royal Parks Half Marathon and the Great North Run, as well as the Berlin and New York Marathons, plus there's plenty of Fun Runs around the country for you to choose from. Visit www.rnib.org.uk/getinvolved to find out more.