29 vision-impaired runners and guides ran Worcester City 10K on Sunday to raise money for Worcestershire-based charity for individuals experiencing sight loss.
A group of staff, supporters and clients from Sight Concern Worcestershire ran Worcester City 10K on Sunday to raise money for the charity, which supports individuals experiencing sight loss. The group was a mix of experienced and first-time runners, and included 4 guide runners and a number of vision-impaired runners, some of whom were tethered for the race.
Sight Concern have been supporting people who are blind and partially sighted since 1880. As an entirely independent charity, they raise all of their own funds to be able to provide their range of services. At the heart of their mission is the belief that every person, regardless of their level of sight, deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling and independent life, and offer support to anyone in Worcestershire living with a vision impairment.
Rachel Salter, Business Development Assistant at Sight Concern, is one member of the group who enjoyed being part of Sunday’s event. “I was so excited to be part of the Sight Concern Worcester 10K Team,” she says. “We had such a combination of talented athletes, first time runners and experienced plodders on the team, but we all have a really united passion to raise funds for and awareness of the work that Sight Concern does in the county. I have worked for Sight Concern Worcestershire since 2021, so I have seen the impact that we have on the lives of local people living with a vision impairment and their loved ones.
“I ran for all of the fantastic people that have inspired me and taught me new things over the last 3 years!” Rachel Salter
Joanne Webber is a member of staff who has personally benefitted from the services the charity offers. She had never suffered from issues with her vision until she was 29 and pregnant with her first son. Initially starting as a blur in the centre of her vision, within 6 months her central vision had deteriorated to the point she had to stop driving and couldn’t go back to work. “It was a scary and lonely time,” she says.
“Sight Concern Worcestershire were so supportive from just listening to me talk to offering me practical advice and support such as providing me with a magnifier. I came back for support at various stages of my journey and they supported me when I wanted to return to work.”
In 2021, Joanne joined Sight Concern as a member of staff, and is now Head of Operations. “The work we do is so important and makes such a difference to people’s lives, and I am so proud to be part of it.”
The Worcester City 10K is a personal challenge for many people, and represents their commitment to their cause to sign up and raise vital funds. “When I was asked to join the Worcester 10K team, that presented a real challenge to me,” says Joanne. “I didn’t think I would be capable of running that far. I had been training and but hadn’t completed the 10K yet but I feel so much more confident even if I had to apply a walk/run strategy at times I knew I was going to complete it. Hopefully it will raise a lot of much needed money for this amazing local charity that is so close to my heart and has helped me overcome so many barriers.”
Dave Williams, a usual competitor in Worcester City Half Marathon, ran the 10K this year to raise money for Sight Concern. Born blind, Dave was introduced to running in his 40s, by his friend Steve. He worked with Sight Concern, providing vital support for people with vision impairment, especially those who have had sight loss. “It can be very isolating, very othering to lose your sight,” he says. “But with some perseverance, there is hope. You can get your life back on track, and live a full and active life.”
“It’s not a death sentence, you just need to learn new skills and lessons you can only learn being in contact with others who have experienced a similar thing.”
Sight Concern is vital for the development of a community amongst blind and visually impaired people, as individuals experiencing sight loss can get together for support and to share tips and skills to make life easier. “It’s a safe space, where people can get access to expertise and company during a period of massive change in their life,” says Dave. “With the right support, those experiencing sight loss can live a full and active life, the same as everyone else.”
Part of Dave’s work with the charity is to challenge people’s expectations about what is possible. “If you can run a 10K, you can get a bus,” he says. Dave has run several half and full marathons, and regularly attends parkruns. On Sunday, he brought it back local, and ran the Worcester City 10K with the man who started it all, his friend Steve. It was their first time running an event together. “With guide running, you’re never alone. A lot of people feel safer, and it’s nice to have someone to talk to.”
Dave and Steve are fundraising for Sight Concern, and donations can be made here: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/runforsightconcern
Read more about Sight Concern Worcestershire and the important work they do in the community here: https://www.sightconcern.co.uk/
