“I know how much I would miss running if I wasn’t able to do it. Everyone should have the opportunity,” she said.
“I have been running with Tom for a few Sundays, and we laugh the whole way. The social side is as important as the physical side.
“I’ve seen a lot of people become more independent.”
Other members of the group have described Achilles as “life saving” because of the social and emotional support it has provided.
Charlie McConnell has been running with Achilles most Sundays for 20 years since he lost his sight aged 25. He had loved running on his own but had to stop after his sight worsened and spent most of his days housebound and inactive.
“I started losing my sight … to the point where I kept running off the road, running into posts, people. So, I’d given up on running,” he said. “There was no more chance for me to run even though I enjoyed it. It was just sitting around the lounge room.”
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When he joined Achilles, Mr McConnell’s aim was to run 500 metres. He now runs up to 90 km.
“I’ve built up my confidence now, and I feel like I can take on the world,” he said.
Mr McConnell also planned to take part in the Real Insurance Sydney Harbour fun run on Sunday, chosen for its flat course that covers five to ten kilometres. Achilles has a team of 26 runners who have entered the event.
Vision impairment no barrier to fun run
Source: Philippines Alive
