A BLIND woman from Lichfield is preparing to run the London Marathon for the second time.
Susan Mellor, who lost her sight aged eight after contracting meningitis, will take to the streets of the capital in aid of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
The 54-year-old also volunteers for the charity after being inspired by the work of their counselling and employment services when they supported her.
She said:
“As a person with severe sight loss I think it’s important to show people that just because you have a sight condition it doesn’t mean you can’t achieve.
“Support from RNIB really made me believe in myself and I wanted to do something to repay them in some way. That’s what inspired me to run the London Marathon last year and again this year.
“Throughout my childhood and early teens, I experienced low confidence and self-esteem and encountered both social and environmental barriers. Support from the RNIB’s counselling service, employment service and specialist equipment helped to enhance my independence and enabled me to realise my full potential.
“The training for the marathon has been going well. The RNIB team coach has designed an individual running plan for me and that’s been excellent in terms of what to do on running days and in the gym and how to manage nutrition – we’ve had regular catch-up sessions to check-in on how we’re doing.
“I would encourage anybody to think about taking on a marathon for charity because to be part of a group like RNIB, to be there on the day with the team running in RNIB vests, to know we’re raising funds to help others with sight loss, and the feeling you get at the end of that 26.2 miles is indescribable and quite emotional.”
Philippa Marlow, head of supporter acquisition at RNIB, said:
“Our mission is to break down barriers and misconceptions for blind and partially sighted people and to make the world a place where people with sight loss can get around, work, learn and live on a par with their peers
“We couldn’t do this work without generous fundraising efforts such as Susan’s marathon effort, so I want to say a huge thank you to her and all the other runners doing this for RNIB.
“Not only does it help us do what we do, but it’s a powerful expression that sight loss doesn’t have to be a barrier to the biggest challenges life has to offer.”
To sponsor Susan’s run, visit 2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/susan-angus-mellor.
