Dh10,000 raised for finding cure to blindness

Dubai: More than Dh10,000 has been raised by participants in the Dubai Marathon, to help find a cure for blindness.

Video: Dubai Marathon 2009

Just last week, the Foresight charity was contacted by a family where all three children are going blind from a genetic retinal disease.

A total of 60 people took part in the three organised runs for Foresight, which raises funds for research into hereditary eye disease and support visually-impaired community members.

Yesterday, Katie Newitt (Foresight Chairwoman) became the first blind person to complete the Dubai Marathon, doing so in less than five hours, despite a painful foot injury.

Gulf News caught up with Newitt as she crossed the finish line. "I'm elated and I feel fantastic - I'm really pleased that we've finished," Newitt said through gasps of breath. "For anyone that's losing their sight, I'd say just keep going and try to deal with the position they've been put in."

Rebecca Janaway, her sighted guide, also completed the course and beat her own personal record by 14 minutes. Sally Prosser, communications manager, Foresight, said:"Being blind isn't the end of your life," she said, Donations can be made via Foresight's website www.foresightrp.com