Emma’s running in the dark to raise funds for blind charities

Families running half marathon to thank Thorpe Hall for support given to relatives

APeterborough woman will be running in the dark after signing up to complete the Perkins Great Eastern Run blindfolded.

Emma Goldberg will aim not be able to see a thing as she takes part in the 13-mile challenge on October 9.

Emma (42) said: “The idea started just over a year ago. I was swimming at the Regional Pool and noticed a single lane separated off, but didn’t think much about it.

“After my swim, I saw four or five ladies coming down to the foyer; I realised they were all blind. I felt filled with admiration for them that they were able to get on and do things that might initially not seem possible. I asked them if I were to raise money for a blind charity, whether one stood out. They were incredibly friendly and suggested the Peterborough Blind Dogs Association and the Peterborough Association for the Blind.”

Emma, who has completed a number of marathon sand ultra marathons in the past, will be using a guide runner - friend Summer Moeed - to complete the challenge, and will also have another friend, Chris Gordon, running alongside with a bucket.

She said: “The key to training for this, however, is entirely different. While I still need to put in the miles, the focus is on learning to trust someone else. I’ve picked a close friend, Summer Moe ed to be my guide - we’ve known each other for a long time and this means we understand how each other thinks. That’s a great start.

“We’ve done a trial run blindfolded, and will be fitting in a few more. We’re both thinking as hard as we can about the different hazards we might encounter. Road surfaces changing, slopes and cambers, curbs and bollards, possibly low hanging branches, but mainly - other runners!”

Brother and sister Roband Laura Preston will also be lining up on the start line.

Their mum, Sue is currently being cared for at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. And the siblings, along with Laura’s partner Brendon have set themselves the challenge of competing in the event to raise money as a way of saying thank you to the charity.

Sue, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer three years ago, was first admitted to the hospice in Peterborough last October.

Laura said: “Mum was apprehensive but she was persuaded that the hospice team were experts in pain relief and palliative care. We were overwhelmed by the care and kindness Mum received.

“Not only did they get her pain under control they found the right balance of drugs to enable her to return to her normal life that she loved so much. She was able to chase her two grandsons round the garden, go on several holidays and greet her third grand child into the world.”

To sponsor Emma, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/EmmaandSummer

To support the Prestons, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/laura-preston3

Emma Goldberg and Summer Moeed in training for the run