For husband and wife Jonathan and Tamsin Vine, taking on the London Marathon is about more than completing 26.2 miles, it’s about supporting a cause that connects deeply to both their professional and personal lives.
Contributing to research in more ways than one
Jonathan has spent most of his career working in ophthalmology and gene therapy, helping to develop treatments for people affected by vision loss. Over the years, his work has included inherited retinal conditions such as Choroideremia, Retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amaurosis, and Stargardt disease, as well as Dry Age-related macular degeneration.
Through his work, he has seen first-hand the impact that vision loss can have on individuals and families, and the urgent need for continued research. His interest in this field began during his time at university, where he first worked with gene therapy technologies, an experience that ultimately led him back to ophthalmology later in his career.
Running the London Marathon for Fight for Sight provides Jonathan with an opportunity to contribute to the cause in a different way: “I’ve really wanted over the years to be able to find a different way of contributing because a lot of the work that I do is behind the scenes.”
For Tamsin, the decision to take part is inspired by her own family’s experience of vision loss. Her aunt lost her vision suddenly following a stroke, an experience that highlighted just how much independence can be affected when sight is lost: “What was incredibly sad was just the absence of support, research, etc. that she could access,” she shared. “ It really impacted her quality of life.”
Together, their motivations reflect both the personal and professional importance of Fight for Sight’s work, from funding vital research into inherited eye conditions to supporting people living with vision loss.
Training Together
Preparing for the London Marathon has required dedication and careful balancing of busy schedules, careers and family life. “We’ve got two young kids, we’ve both got very full-time jobs,” Tamsin shares, “Trying to train for a marathon is a big deal.”
But despite these challenges and the added physical strain, Jonathan and Tamsin both found that supporting each other along the way has made a real difference. As Tamsin shares: “It is such a mental challenge that having someone you love with you, you kind of run for them as much as I think they run for you.”
Jonathan shares: “I think having someone there with you just helps, doesn’t it, along the way.”
Knowing that friends, family and supporters are backing them has also helped keep motivation high throughout the training process.
“You have a responsibility to make sure that you can raise the money and do those things.”
Motivation when it matters most
Like many marathon runners, Jonathan and Tamsin expect the later miles to be the toughest. Jonathan feels like the 19th or 20th mile may be the trickiest, whilst reflecting on her past experience Tamsin shares: “I think from about mile 16 onwards, I was just singing to myself that I shouldn’t hit the wall.”
However, music and audio help keep them focused during long runs, with Jonathan favouring high-energy playlists and Tamsin opting for something a little more varied. “I listen to like 90s trance and stuff,” Jonathan explains. Alternatively, Tamsin shares, “I have Spotify and it plays a load of random pop that it generates itself and I don’t know what’s going to happen next.”
When the challenge becomes particularly tough, Jonathan reflects on the reason behind the run: “If someone said to me, well, you know, it’s going to be really painful for these last 6 to 10 miles. You think, well, imagine you were saddled with an inherited retinal disease every day of your life.”
Tamsin also shares how Knowing that they can do some good along the way is a helpful motivator, and that when you are faced with any challenges, you just have to remind yourself that there’s a reason why you’re doing this.
Looking ahead to Marathon day
As the marathon day approaches, Jonathan and Tamsin are looking forward to experiencing the unique atmosphere of the London Marathon, running through one of the world’s most iconic cities. Jonathan is particularly excited to run past some of London’s well-known landmarks, and Tamsin is looking forward to the encouragement from the crowd: “There is something about hearing your name.”
But what are they most looking forward to after the finish line?
Tamsin was very clear! “Shoes off and a glass of champagne? That would be quite nice.”
We can’t say we blame her!
Are you interested in running the London Marathon in support of Fight for Sight?
Find out more and register your interest to join our team with a charity place.
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