Two years ago, I made a positive change in my health and fitness for personal growth. Taking control of my body and a new mindset I took up running.

Having done no previous form of exercise ever, being very unfit and overweight, I knew it would be a long journey. I pushed myself to run for as long as I could (which at the beginning was laughable, around 30 seconds max and I was done!!!) But I forced myself to do that 30 seconds every day, 7 days a week. Slowly I began to run stronger, finding a new way to take time for myself. Fast forward two  years and today I’m the strongest and fittest I’ve ever felt. Running has become part of my daily self-care, even when travelling for work/ holidays I run every day. I often think how lucky I am to see such beautiful places, sights, and scenery.

Daniel pointing at his name on the back of his running vest

This got me thinking how it must feel when you are visually impaired. How would I feel? How would a child feel? Such a challenging time ahead and without support or understanding, this must be such a difficult time. The journey must feel so lonely. This is what spurred me on to find a way to help support a great organisation whilst challenging myself at the same time by taking on the London marathon. This is when I found VICTA. I approached them to offer my commitment and service in raising money for an outstanding charity. They were so supportive and helped me prepare with catch up calls, support throughout fundraising, sending stickers, money buckets, stationary etc, training guides and information for the event pre and post.

They made the whole experience feel
safe and welcoming and I couldn’t be
prouder to be apart of it.

The day of the event was nerve-racking as to be expected when you are running for the first time, but once you get going, running past streets lined with strangers all there to cheer you on, is a feeling that can only be experienced in person. At times when energy levels start to drop, you can always count on a VICTA cheering station ready to give you the boost you need to continue. I ran past a sign, held up by a young man saying, “short term pain is only temporary” and that quote really stuck in my mind throughout the run. It cemented exactly why I was running for this charity, to help those who are going through long term pain, and I hope my contribution goes some way to helping those in need. I managed to raise £3500 + gift aid which I know gives someone a chance at a better life through TeamVICTA.  This experience has been one of the best of my life and ill remember it forever.

By Daniel Lawson

Thank you to Daniel and all of our incredible fundraisers! If you would like to run the London Marathon for VICTA and empower children and young adults who are blind of partially sighted, find out more and sign up here:

victa.org.uk/london-marathon