A 50-year-old man who suffers from glaucoma is running the London Marathon this Sunday for blind charity saying he fears he may one day have to use their services.
Sean O’Sullivan lives in Elephant and Castle and is running his first London Marathon for Blind Aid.
“I was made aware of a last-minute space to run for them eight weeks ago,” he said. “I’ve done other marathons but the London Marathon is the one I’ve always wanted to run!”
Blind Aid is London’s oldest charity for blind and visually-impaired people. It’s also one of the charities that Southwark Mayor, Sunil Chopra, is supporting this year. “I think the Mayor is coming to cheer us on!” Sean said.
It is a charity itself really resonates with Sean: “I have glaucoma, and although it’s not that bad yet, if it gets worse, it could be me going to Blind Aid for help one day.”
“They support the hidden people with visual impairments – people who are isolated and don’t have family or friends around.”
“That really touched me because I have an elderly parent, and without family around he would struggle.”
He says during the pandemic everyone realised what loneliness could do to people – “but people who are blind can feel that everyday!”
Blind Aid help them with things like learning to cook safely when you’re visually impaired. “It’s things we take for granted,” Sean added.
He has personally raised nearly £950 for the cause so far.
Sean usually watches the race with his family from the same spot every year: “Every year me and my family watch the Marathon from Southwark Bridge, because it’s near the end of the race that people need the most encouragement!” he said.
Anyone wanting to donate can HERE.
To find out more about Blind Aid click HERE.