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An Aberdeen man whose wife was diagnosed with a condition that caused problems with her vision is raising money for a charity that helps blind people.

Martyn Orchard will take on the London Marathon to raise funds for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

The 36-year-old decided to join Team RNIB for the event as a result of his wife Karen having health problems with her eyesight.

In 2010 she was diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension a neurological condition which meant the pressure around her brain was too high.

The increased pressure caused swelling of the optic disc and Karen began to lose her peripheral sight and had double vision.

She had to have numerous lumbar punctures and medication.

The 32-year-old also had a lumbar peritoneal shunt fitted which constantly drains cerebrospinal fluid into her stomach to keep the pressure low.

She was also diagnosed with panuveitis a serious inflammation of the uvea that affects all parts of the eye causing reduced vision and blindness.

Martyn said: Im delighted to be raising money for RNIB.

My wife is fortunate that she still has her eyesight intact, by and large, but not everybody is so lucky.

RNIB do some fantastic work so I wanted to try and give something back.

To prepare for the marathon Martyn has been running locally, as well as taking part in parkruns, and he recently completed the Garioch Half Marathon as part of his training programme.

Martyn, of Bridge of Don, added: The Virgin Money London Marathon is such an iconic event; Ive watched it on TV for many years but have always wanted to take part.

I took up running two years ago and ran the Edinburgh Marathon in May 2016, but the London Marathon will be extra special.

Ive heard so much about the atmosphere on race day and I cant wait to get on that start line.

Martyn hopes to cross the finish line in under five hours and aims to raise at least 3,000 for RNIB.

To help Martyn reach his fundraising target, please donate by visiting his Virgin Money Giving page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/martyn-orchard

See the article here:
Husband to take on London Marathon in support of blindness charity after partner almost lost vision - Aberdeen Evening Express

This entry was posted on April 12, 2017 at 6:42 am and is filed under Blindness. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |