"When I visited the centre I was amazed at the technology that exists nowadays to enable people with low vision to live an independent lifestyle."
Martyn Coyne
An IT Manager from Lytham is taking on the London Marathon on Sunday to help raise funds and awareness for N-Vision, Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Society for the Blind, in thanks for all the great work they do in the local community – and especially for their support of his granddad.
Martyn Coyne, 39, is taking part in the world’s most famous running race to help raise funds to enable N-Vision to assist more people across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre who are having trouble with their vision.
Martyn’s grandfather, Maurice Green, a 92-year-old retired analytical chemist also living in Lytham, was diagnosed a couple of years ago with atrophy of the retina, which gives him very limited vision.
Maurice initially heard about the services of N-Vision through a personal recommendation and later read a flyer about N-Vision’s Open Day at their premises on Bosworth Pace, Squires Gate, and dropped in.
He left impressed by the open and honest advice they gave and was able to trial several home appliances to see if they helped him during his day to day life.
Maurice is particularly pleased with the Talking Newspaper service, now in its 41st year, and the audio books both provided by N-Vision. The charity hit the headlines in its own right recently after Joy Killip, a volunteer in her mid 90s, was featured on BBC NWT as Britain's (arguably!) oldest News reader.
Martyn explains: “My grandfather’s quality of life has been improved by enabling him to keep his independence, hear what is happening in the local area and still live life in full. He urges anyone with sight problems to check out these services that N-Vision provides.”
Martyn, who works for Submarine Manufacturing and Products Ltd in Newton and who is also a local Greenpeace network co-ordinator, added: “I watched the London Marathon as a child on TV and have always dreamed of taking part.
“Having applied unsuccessfully for the past few years I thought I would never be picked, but I was lucky enough to be given a ballot place this year, which gives me the option to run for a charity of my choice. I am proud to support N-Vision to enable them to continue the good work they are doing across all three local boroughs.
“I have been training hard for this marathon, including joining a running club, participating in Veganuary and doing on a variety of fitness classes and runs – the hardest being running the Preston Guild Wheel on a cold wet Sunday afternoon in February!
“But I have trained in so many wonderful places in our local area and feel really fortunate to have been able to do this and see the wonderful natural world all around us. I just wish it was a bit warmer though!”
“My granddad and family has always talked highly of the good work and support that N-Vision has given them. When I visited the centre myself I was amazed at the technology that exists nowadays to enable people with low vision to live an independent lifestyle.”
The money Martyn raises will go to N-Vision which helps fund a network of services offering support and information to anyone with reduced vision, their families, friends and carers.
The charity, based at Bosworth Place, Squires Gate, but covering all three local boroughs, from coast to urban and rural communities, couldn't be more grateful. While the Marathon is a platform for many causes it can be hard for smaller independent local charities to get a foothold in funding terms without the generosity of spirit - and awareness - shown by Martyn and others. Yet sight loss is seismic in its impact upon those affected - and their families.
To make a donation to N-Vision via Martyn’s JustGiving page go to www.justgiving.com/martyncoyne-nvision
To follow Martyn on the Day his running number is 13365 and can be viewed here: http://results-2018.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/2018/?pid=tracking
To learn more about the vast range of services offered at N-Vision’s Low Vision Centre and other facilities for blind and partially sighted call the charity's Low Vision Centre on (01253) 362696.
