A man from Frome who is severely visually impaired has completed the London Marathon for charity Somerset Sight.
Marly, who attends Somerset Sight’s Frome group, completed the 26.2-mile course on Sunday 26th April with his nephew Billy as a guide runner in six hours, 31 minutes and five seconds.
He has raised funds for Somerset Sight, which provides services, training and leisure activities to help people maintain independence and improve quality of life for those affected by sight loss.
Marly, who was selected to run through the ballot process, said the experience was ‘emotional’ and ‘brilliant’ as he completed the challenge alongside his nephew.
“I am certified as severely visually impaired. My peripheral vision is OK but my central vision is not there,” said Marly.
“The day was a lovely and amazing experience. It was very emotional at the start because just before it started people at the start line could get up and share their story. I’ve also got an amazing team of support, which is really overwhelming.”
Marly took up running four years ago after being diagnosed with retinal dystrophy in 2016. He said his visual impairment first became noticeable while he was in Spain before later being diagnosed at Bristol Eye Hospital.
Marly trained regularly with local guide runners and this was his second London Marathon, having also taken part in 2024.
He said, “I wanted to run for Somerset Sight this year because they have been a great help to me since I joined the Frome social group. A lot of the people who use the charity live on their own and don’t have any family. The charity provides a lot of support. I thought it was a really good thing to run for.”
To donate, visit the fundraising page https://shorturl.at/eYhZU
Pictured: l-r Marly with nephew Billy on London Marathon day (Credit: Somerset Sight)
