Paul, 45, and his guide Alice, 31, are taking on the 2023 London Marathon to raise awareness and funds for British Blind Sport (BBS). The pair met through Visually Impaired (VI) Runners Bristol, a club that has been instrumental in adding VI categories to local and national events such as the Great Run Bristol 10K and Half Marathon.
Alice talks about what the 26.2-mile challenge means to her and what made her want to become a qualified guide runner.
"Growing up, I hated sport. I'd forge notes to get out of PE (sorry Mum) and use every excuse under the sun to avoid exercise. Now, that couldn't be further from the truth. I absolutely love running and look forward to spending my Sundays exploring long and hilly trails with friends. Looking back, I think 10-year-old me would be very surprised by 31-year-old me!
Joining VI Runners Bristol was a game-changer. We celebrate freedom in running, which is also something that British Blind Sport advocates for. I knew how much running had changed my life and improved my mental health. I wanted to learn how to be a sighted guide so that I could share the benefits of running with others and make it more accessible for people with sight loss.
I was nervous about guiding because I didn't want to cause someone to fall over. I was also worried that I wouldn't be fast enough to be a guide. I needn't have been worried though, I was given training, the opportunity to shadow and then the chance to guide a VI runner of a similar pace. There are some amazing Facebook groups such as (6) Parkrun VI guides | Facebook that can connect you with a guide who will meet you at your local Parkrun and support you to complete the 5K course in whatever way you would like. Taking the first step to connect with a guide is a huge one, but it can open up so many opportunities to get active, enjoy the outdoors and meet new friends.
I've always wanted to complete a road marathon. When Paul and I were told about the opportunity to run for BBS at the London Marathon we were so excited because the organisation is a perfect fit for us. This challenge will be a real milestone for me to celebrate how far I have come on my running journey.
Our club have been incredible, putting up with us talking about nothing else for the last few months, sharing our JustGiving page and supporting our fundraising efforts in any way that they can – they are an incredible group of friends. We recently hosted a VI parkrun takeover, where runners and guides from all over the Southwest came together. This raised awareness in the local community about BBS, guide running and access to running for those with sight loss.
It feels extra special to be running for a charity which celebrates and advocates for sport, running and fitness for all. We are able to represent VI runners and guides and show that sight loss doesn't mean the end of getting outside and going for a run. Paul and I have become really good friends through this process, and I am going to feel very proud of us when we cross that finish line together. BBS have been so supportive, and I can't think of a better charity to run for!"
We are immensely proud of Team BBS and value each and every member's commitment. If you would like to support Alice and Paul to reach their fundraising target, please visit their JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com/aliceandpaul2023
Being a guide is a fantastic way to help people with sight loss to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that running provides. BBS and England Athletics' Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running Workshop provides runners, leaders, coaches and volunteers with information and experience in guide running. Visit: https://runtogether.co.uk/support/sight-loss-awareness-and-guide-running/
You can find a guide runner in your area by searching the national Find a Guide Database at: https://runtogether.co.uk/get-involved/find-a-guide/
