LOOK connects visually impaired young people with mentors who have already walked the same path, turning isolation into confidence, friendship and possibility. It’s something Laura has seen the impact of firsthand through her own family’s journey.
Now, as part of Team LOOK, she’s taking on her first-ever marathon to help ensure more young people can access that life-changing support.
We spoke to Laura about discovering running later in life, the power of mentoring, and why supporting LOOK means so much to her and her family.
Discovering a love for running
I’ve been running on and off for probably five years in total, but I’d say more seriously over the last two years. I joined a running club, which has become a really important part of my life. I go two or three times a week, and it’s such an encouraging and supportive group. That’s really given me the confidence to try longer distances.
I’ve done four or five half marathons now, but this will be my first marathon. And it just has to be London!
“Nobody cares what you look like when you’re ankle-deep in mud“
If you’d asked my friends a few years ago about me running, they’d probably have laughed; to be honest, I probably would have laughed too.
But running has quickly become something I genuinely love. My running club has been so supportive and gentle with the running. I’ve made a lot of good friends along the way.
There’s no competition. Everyone just supports each other. Nobody cares what you look like when you’re out running in the rain, soaked through and ankle-deep in mud.
Running really has changed my life. It’s important to keep fit, especially in your 50s. I don’t want to decline, and I’m enjoying it far more than I ever thought I would. It’s also really good for mental health. If work is stressful or things are busy at home, if I’ve got a run booked at 6:30pm, I just go. Everything else has to wait.
Marathon training is tough, but I’m enjoying the challenge of pushing myself a little bit further every week.
Training for 26.2 miles
Training for the London Marathon is quite an undertaking. It’s a big-time commitment. It’s tough, and it’s tiring, but it’s what I expected.
Over the past year Ive steadily built up my running base. I’ve been doing some half marathons, and I ran the Great North Run, which was a fantastic experience. It helped me get used to running in big crowds.
Since the start of the year, my training has become much more structured. I’ve got a proper training plan pinned up on the wall where I can see it every day, and every time I finish a run, I tick it off. Watching the weeks count down is really motivating.
At the moment, I’m up to around 17 or 18 miles, and we’re about seven weeks away from the marathon. The furthest I’ll run before race day is 21 miles.
Marathon training hasn’t been without its challenges. The weather in January and February was absolutely dreadful, and the mud made running really tricky. Last week, I had a real wobble and thought, ‘I can’t do this!’ But luckily, my amazing running club was there to support me, and together we got through it, and I ended up running 17 miles that day!
Why I’m proud to run for LOOK
LOOK has been such an important part of our family’s journey. When my daughter first joined the LOOK mentoring programme as a teenager, I had no idea just how much it would change all our lives.
My daughter first got involved with LOOK as a service user in her early teens, shortly after her diagnosis. Over time, she became a volunteer mentor, and now she works full-time in the mentoring team, which is such an incredible achievement. Her lived experience is invaluable, and I’ve seen firsthand the difference that support makes for young people. I’m so proud of her, and watching how LOOK has helped her grow and thrive has been truly amazing.
It’s not just about my daughter; I’ve seen firsthand how LOOK supports young people, but also their families. When a young person is diagnosed with a visual impairment, it affects the whole family, including siblings, and LOOK really understands that, and the support they provide can be life-changing.
What I love most is that it feels like a family. Everyone genuinely cares. The mentoring programme is incredible, helping teenagers navigate school, college or university, and giving them someone who’s been through the same experiences. The family support groups are equally important, because it’s a worrying time for parents, too. Having that network in place makes such a difference.
The mentoring project, in particular, is absolutely fantastic. Seeing young people gain confidence and independence, and knowing they have someone who truly understands what they’re going through, is priceless. Mentors share practical tips, but they also give encouragement and friendship and that little bit of support can completely change a young person’s outlook.
That’s why I’m running for LOOK, I’m so grateful for the support from friends, family and the community, and I want to give back. LOOK is an organisation that turns isolation into confidence, friendship, and possibility. I can’t think of a better cause to run for.
Looking ahead to Marathon Day
On the day itself, I’m not really going for a time; I’m a slower runner anyway, but more importantly, I want to enjoy the whole experience. I’ll be looking up, taking it all in. Everyone says London has the best atmosphere in the world, so I really want to soak it all up.
After crossing the finish line, I can’t wait to get that medal around my neck! I’m also really looking forward to seeing my family and celebrating with the LOOK team at Horse Guards Parade. I’m sure it’s going to be an emotional experience.
Help Laura go the distance
Laura has already been overwhelmed by the support she’s received so far.
“I’m smashing my fundraising target, and I’m absolutely thrilled. I know the money goes exactly where it’s needed most, supporting young people.“
Every donation helps LOOK reach even more young people. Here’s how your contribution can make an impact:
- £6: Pays for a young person to attend one of our VI-focused employment and opportunity days.
- £12: Provides access to an hour of our helpline service.
- £30: Funds an afternoon of face-to-face, one-to-one mentoring for a VI young person.
- £50: Pays for an hour of counselling for a recently diagnosed young person or their parent/carer.
- £100: Supports a workshop teaching sighted children about inclusion and understanding.
Every donation brings us one step closer to making a lasting change, shaping a brighter future
for visually impaired young people and their families.