A Northumberland optician has decided to run the London Marathon in aid of sight loss charity RNIB, after she started working for the organisation as a Eye Care Liaison Officer at the RVI in Newcastle.
Katie Blakely, 33, worked as a dispensing optician for seven years, and had worked in the industry for 13, before she decided to join the Royal National Institute for Blind People as an ECLO.
Katie's job role means she is employed by RNIB in partnership with the NHS and she gives invaluable emotional and practical support to people who have been given a sight loss diagnosis.
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Alongside Katie during the marathon will be her friend Gina Tye, who also works in the eye care sector as a Contact Lens Optician. The money they raise will be used to support the work the charity does in helping people's understanding of sight loss and helping to raise awareness for the challenges that people affected by this face.
The kind of support that people like Katie provide is all the more important at the moment, with the strain on NHS mental health services and the difficulties in getting appointments.
Katie has spoken about her experience working in this sector, and how she feels about doing the marathon now that it is nearly the day of the event.
“I’ve worked within the eye health sector for many years which means I’ve seen the impact sight loss can have on people. RNIB provides so many great services to patients and there is huge demand for them. I’d like to raise money for RNIB so that the charity can continue the brilliant work
“I think the hardest part about the marathon will be the psychological side of it. But the London Marathon has been on my bucket list for ages so I can’t wait to race across the finish line as it’s all for a great cause", she said.
Katie has been fundraising in lots of different ways such as hosting raffles, charity bake sales and dance classes. She has also previously completed the Edinburgh Marathon so has previous experience of this kind.
Chris Perrin, the Interim Challenge Events Senior Manager at RNIB, has spoken of his gratitude at what Katie and Gina are doing to support the organisation.
“We are incredibly grateful to have Katie and Gina raise money for RNIB. The money raised will help us continue to work towards a world without barriers for the 250 people who start to lose their sight every day in the UK.
"We wish both of them the best of luck and we’ll be in the crowd cheering them on all the way.”
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