James was part of #TeamRetinaUK in 2020 when he took part in the first ever Virtual London Marathon. He talks about his experience and his motivation.
"I have seen first-hand through a colleague just how retinitis pigmentosa can affect people's daily lives. I wanted to assist in Retina UK's efforts to find treatments for the future so I joined their London Marathon team and started running!
“I have been training for the marathon since January and I’m looking forward to putting all of the preparation to use! It was disappointing when the 2020 race was postponed, having put so much into training. I was determined to maintain the fitness levels though so in October I took on The 40th Race virtual marathon, which was a fantastic event to take part in!
“My 26.2miles along the Essex coastline, with my girlfriend cycling alongside me as my pace setter, included passing a couple of pubs where a few friends will be cheering me on from a distance. I finished in just over four hours. It proved to be a tough enduring race given the wind and rain, but it has made me determined ahead of the 2021 marathon to improve my race time. I’m looking forward to running the iconic London route next year and the possibility of having crowds to cheer me on!
“I’m running #The40thRace in support of a colleague who has retinitis pigmentosa. I’m delighted to have raised over £2,500 through the marathon so far and at a time when Retina UK’s support has helped those affected by inherited sight loss during an extremely challenging year.
With 18 events to choose from in 2025, these hugely popular events are back for another year! Whether you run, jog or walk, you can support Retina UK's vital work whilst achieving an amazing personal goal. Join #TeamRetinaUK today!
With 18 events to choose from in 2025, these hugely popular events are back for another year! Whether you run, jog or walk, you can support Retina UK's vital work whilst achieving an amazing personal goal. Join #TeamRetinaUK today!
With a city centre start and finish, Scotland’s friendliest city always delivers on the support front, with crowds of locals turning out each year to cheer and high-five from beginning to end. Join #TeamRetinaUK this winter!
