Our digital partner Jo Turner is set to run next year’s London Marathon for the UK’s leading sight loss charity.
Jo, who provides website and digital support for a number of our clients, will join friend Susan Angus-Mellor in taking on the 26-mile event for the first time on 21 April 2024 to fundraise for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Susan, who is partially sighted, will be participating with Jo as her guide runner. Susan wanted to fundraise for the charity as it has supported her with her sight loss.
The RNIB offers practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers. It campaigns for change to make society more accessible for all.
Susan said: “This is a cause very close to my heart, as I lost my sight when I was eight years old following meningitis.
“Throughout my childhood and early teens, I experienced low confidence and self-esteem and encountered both social and environmental barriers.
“However, specialist equipment and support from the RNIB’s counselling and employment services helped to enhance my independence and enabled me to realise my full potential.
“I hope to inspire others along my journey by raising awareness of the impact of sight loss and what can be achieved with the right support and determination.
“Everyone who donates to the RNIB will be helping people with sight loss to achieve a better quality of life and ensure they get the support they need.”
Jo said: “I was really flattered but also quite worried when Susan asked if I would take on the London Marathon as her guide runner.
“She is the fittest person I know, so initially I wasn’t sure I would be able to do it with her. She definitely runs faster than me!
“However, as Susan couldn’t enter the marathon without a guide runner, I decided to embrace the challenge. I would never have entered on my own!
“We’ve got a running coach provided by the RNIB and a 20-week programme to help prepare us. As long as we follow that, the coach is confident that anyone can do it.
“This will be the first marathon – and maybe the last – for both of us, so it’s an enormous challenge, but we are really pleased to have the opportunity to raise money for an incredible cause.”
With the help of a few fitness fundraisers along the way, the friends’ target is to raise £2,000 for the RNIB.
Susan is a social worker, while Jo is an experienced website designer. She runs J Turner Web Services, based in Lichfield. Both friends live in Lichfield.
Anyone keen to support Susan and Jo’s fundraising can donate via their JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/page/susan-angus-mellor-1692786611194