Join the ‘Fighting Blindness Fit Squad’ for the Flora Mini Marathon
Irish Olympic long-distance runner Maria McCambridge, 2013’s Dublin Marathon winner, is calling on the women of Ireland to join the ‘Fighting Blindness Fit Squad’ for the Flora Mini Marathon this June bank holiday weekend .
Fighting Blindness, an Irish charity enabling world-leading research into treatments and cures for blindness, needs to raise €50,000 this year to continue funding its vital and groundbreaking research projects. The funds will also go towards supporting and empowering those affected by sight loss, which includes operating Ireland’s only professional counselling service for people with visual impairments and their families.
Tony Ward, head of fundraising, Fighting Blindness said, “There are more than 224,000 Irish people who are currently living with severe sight loss and this number is set to increase in the next decade. Fighting Blindness has funded groundbreaking research over the past 30 years. With a proactive approach, we can have a major impact on the lives of those affected by sight loss, both now and in the future.
“Fighting Blindness is 90% funded by the public and to date we have invested almost €15 million into research to develop therapies and eventually cures for retinal degenerations. We also provide professional support and counselling to individuals and families who are affected, while staying extremely active in patient advocacy and empowerment activities. For this essential work to continue, we need to raise funds and that is why we are calling on women everywhere to join Team Fighting Blindness in this year’s Women’s Mini Marathon.”
Adding comment, Maria Mc Cambridge said, “I am delighted to be part of this campaign and run 10k with the Fighting Blindness Fit Squad to raise awareness of the charity and its pioneering work. Keeping fit is a massive part of maintaining your everyday health, including your eyes. I am urging all women in Ireland to join the fight against blindness by registering to join us on June 2nd. Remember, you can walk, jog or run! This is very much an event where just taking part can make a real difference.”
To help support Fighting Blindness fund its groundbreaking work by taking part in the mini marathon, contact the team through [email protected]. Further information is available at www.fightingblindness.ie.
