Bromsgrove couple to take on Blindfold Run inspired by their visually impaired daughter - The Bromsgrove Standard

Bromsgrove couple to take on Blindfold Run inspired by their visually impaired daughter

Bromsgrove Editorial 18th Oct, 2018   0

A BROMSGROVE couple whose daughter was left visually impaired when she was born with a cataract in her right eye, will take on a blindfolded run to raise funds for the charity which has supported them.

Matt and Gemma Wilkes will line up for The Blindfold Run on November 4 for the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) after being inspired by daughter Alice.

The run is held at London’s Olympic Park and challenges pairs to run either 5k or 10k with one person blindfolded and the other tethered to them as their ‘sighted partner’. Matt and Gemma will do 10k, swapping roles halfway through.

To date Alice has needed two laser surgery treatments and two major operations to implant extra drainage tubes within her eye.




In her daily routine she has nine eye drops, other medication, contact lenses and patching.


Gemma said: “At 20 months old this is obviously very stressful for both Alice and us as parents, especially as she is still too young to understand what is happening.”

Alice’s parents see the RSBC blindfold run as a fitting way to raise awareness of children growing up with sight loss.

Alice attends nursery three times a week and has been supported by the RSBC Family Support Service, which provides tailored emotional and practical support to families affected by sight loss.

Dr Tom Pey, RSBC chief executive, said: “Our event aims to get people to think about the profound effect that blindness has on a young person’s life.

“The feedback from our runners over the last four years has been really positive and we thank everyone who has signed up for this year’s event.

“The money raised by our supporters is used to support and continue growing our services in England and Wales.”

Team Run4Alice has so far raised £1,000 for the cause and they are hoping Standard readers will help them boost their coffers further.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/gemma-wilkes4 to donate to the cause.

There is also still time for more people to join up for the Blindfold Rub 2018.

Go to blindfoldrun.org for more information.

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