Ben Ramus: Our epic challenge for Retina UK
This July, Ben Ramus will lead a group of twelve adventurers as they take on the renowned National Three Peaks Challenge, in aid of national sight loss charity, Retina UK. Ben has decided to take on the epic challenge in recognition of two of his uncles’ sight loss journey, as they live with the rare inherited sight loss condition, retinitis pigmentosa.
Ben shared: “I decided to organise this challenge because two of my uncles live with inherited sight loss and I wanted to do something to give back to them, as they are very hard-working and I also wanted to support the amazing work of Retina UK at the same time. When I was speaking to my uncle, he was telling me about the work of Retina UK and because it’s close to home, it felt like a perfect fit to support them with this fundraiser. Supporting the search for treatments is what inspired me and inherited sight loss isn’t talked about much so it’s a very worthy cause.”
The National Three Peaks Challenge sees participants attempt to climb the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours. The three peaks that Ben and his team will be taking on are Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in Scotland), Scafell Pike (the highest mountain in England) and Snowdon (the highest mountain in Wales).
On their challenge plans, Ben revealed: “We will be driving up to Ben Nevis to start the challenge at 3pm on 5 July and we will then be scaling the first peak, before traveling through the night to take on Scafell Pike. Our challenge will end in Wales with Snowdon and we are aiming to achieve it all within 24 hours, ideally around 23 hours, 30 minutes. We will be wearing a blindfold for a short part of the challenge, in a safe part of the route, to raise awareness of the realities of living with sight loss and so we can understand it better ourselves too.”
On why he thinks others should support Retina UK, Ben said: “Doing fundraisers like this is a selfless thing to do and it’s great to be part of a special anniversary year for Retina UK.”
James Clarke, Head of Income Generation at Retina UK, said: “We are so grateful to Ben and the team for choosing to support Retina UK this summer! Their inspiring efforts will make a tangible difference and will enable us to raise much-needed awareness and funds during our 50th anniversary year. We are wishing them all the very best of luck for their challenge!”
To sponsor Ben and the team on their epic challenge, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/team/benramus1.
If you’re feeling inspired to support Retina UK and would like to support the charity during its 50th anniversary year, please get in touch with James Clarke on 07736 925174 or [email protected].
“Doing fundraisers like this is a selfless thing to do and it’s great to be part of a special anniversary year for Retina UK.”Ben Ramus.