A woman from Oxford is currently training to compete in this year’s London Marathon for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for blind and vision-impaired ex-Service men and women…
Sue Cassettari, 55 and from Kidlington, has long been aware of the charity, which provides free lifelong support to veterans living with sight loss. Her mother, Angela, is vision-impaired, as is her friend, Peter.
Angela has age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and glaucoma, meaning she has no sight in one eye and very, very limited sight in the other. Peter also has ARMD and almost no sight.
Peter served in the Royal Air Force as part of his National Service, meaning he’s eligible for the support provided by Blind Veterans UK. He’s been a beneficiary since 2013.
Sue says: “The support they’ve both received from the organization has been fantastic. They’ve been to the charity’s training and rehabilitation centres in Llandudno and Brighton and had a great time at both.
“In 2016, I also had the opportunity to accompany Peter to the charity’s Remembrance service in London. It was my first contact with the organisation and I have to say, it was amazing. I really, really loved being part of such a special occasion.”
Sue’s decision to take part in the iconic London Marathon is just the latest chapter in her love of running, which started seven years ago. She says: “In the beginning it was totally alien to me, I joined Headington Road Runners beginners group and with their help and support I have gone from strength to strength, building up from 10ks to half marathons and now this!”
While Sue turns her attention to fundraising, she admits the opportunity to raise money for a charitable cause is something she’s also embracing. She explains: “It’s very rewarding when you do something like this for charity. I did the Three Peaks last year and it’s safe to say that when the going gets tough, it’s the thought of the charity that keeps you going.”
Support Sue as she prepares to take on the London Marathon for Blind Veterans UK.
