Blind fundraiser takes on 100km challenge

Tricia Sail, 40, from Exeter, will be going that extra mile to raise funds for Fight for Sight, a charity close to her heart.

On 24 May, Tricia, who was diagnosed with Uveitis in 2013, will be walking 100km from London to Brighton with friends for the main UK's charity that funds pioneering eye research to prevent sight loss and treat eye disease.

The challenge will be extremely difficult as Tricia has lost the sight in her right eye and only has 20 per cent vision in her left. Tricia's sight is affected by the time of day, leaving her unable to see anything at all at night.

It’s unknown what has caused Tricia's condition, it may be due to an infection which caused the number of white blood cells entering the eye to increase. This causes inflammation and damage to the eye and leads to poor vision, or in Tricia's case blindness.

Tricia said: "Fight for Sight does amazing research work. My condition is rare and there isn't a cure at present. That's why I'm keen to raise funds to help research and whilst it may not help me, it could potentially help someone in the future to either find a cure or prevent others from getting the condition."

Fight for Sight currently funds eye research into 100 different conditions at 35 universities and hospitals across the country.

Michele Acton, Fight for Sight's Chief Executive said: "Losing your sight is the sense that people fear losing the most. Every day 100 people will start to lose theirs and we're determined to make sight loss a thing of the past.

"Despite Tricia's first-hand experience of sight loss, it's fantastic to have her support and we wish her the very best of luck with the challenge."

Tricia has already signed up to her next walking challenge with her sister and will be talking part in Fight for Sight’s Carrots NightWalk, in Bristol, on Friday 26 September, to coincide with National Eye Health Week.

To show your support please donate to Tricia via www.justgiving.com/tricia-sail

For further information on Fight for Sight please visit www.fightforsight.org.uk or to register for your place at the Carrots NightWalk www.fightforsight.org.uk/carrots-charity-nightwalk