In 2026, Daniel will run the TCS London Marathon for the sixth time in support of Fight for Sight. But his connection to our charity goes far beyond race day. For more than a decade, Daniel has given his time, professional expertise and energy to help power our work to Save Sight. Change Lives.
Every April the London Marathon transforms the city; music blasts from bridges and crowds fill the streets to shout themselves hoarse with encouragement for runners they’ve never met. For Daniel Broughton, that energy is part of what keeps him coming back.
From marathon miles to pro bono legal advice, Daniel is part of the community driving change for people affected by vision loss. And given he’s such a helpful individual, we thought we’d ask him to share his learnings and experiences, to help all the runners preparing for the London Marathon this April!
From doorstep supporter, to marathon veteran
Daniel’s journey with Fight for Sight began with a simple conversation on his doorstep.
“I was living in Beckenham when someone knocked door-to-door, asking if I’d sign up to support the charity,” he says. “It sounded like a good cause, so I started donating monthly.”
Not long after, he spotted a call from the charity for London Marathon runners.
“I thought, that sounds like fun.”
More than ten years later, Daniel has run the marathon five times for Fight for Sight - including the DIY version during COVID - and this year will be his sixth.
Over time, this incredible involvement has deepened. Daniel is a lawyer, and after meeting the team he began offering pro bono legal support for our charity shops, helping ensure our retail network across London can boost funds to Save Sight. Change Lives.
We're here to change that.For every person living with vision loss in the UK, less than £9.60 is spent on public eye health research.
When the cause becomes personal
When Daniel first started supporting Fight for Sight, he didn’t have a personal connection to vision loss. That changed when his daughter was born with a cataract.
“She has very little vision in one eye,” he explains.
Like many families navigating childhood eye conditions, Daniel and his family experienced challenges. But thanks to patching treatments and early interventions, his daughter has grown up knowing no different. The experience also brought the charity’s mission closer to home.
Across the UK, research into eye disease remains significantly underfunded, receiving only around 1.2% of publicly funded health research. At the same time, people who are blind or vision impaired are three times more likely to experience loneliness and isolation.
Daniel was particularly moved by the shocking scale and nature of domestic abuse, uncovered by Fight for Sight research that 1 in 12 vision impaired people in the UK has experienced domestic abuse. Hearing those stories strengthened his sense of purpose. As Daniel puts it: “If I can raise a bit of money and help in some way, I’m very proud to do that.”
Thanks to supporters like Daniel, Fight for Sight is funding research that could bring treatment for eye disease closer to reality and is also backing projects that improve everyday life for people with vision loss.
Why run the London Marathon six times?
Many runners complete one marathon and say never again; Daniel keeps returning.
“Every time I finish, I say that’s it.” He smiles, “Then a year or two later I decide maybe I’ll do another.”
This year’s race also has a family twist. Daniel’s nephew is running the marathon too - and wants to beat Daniel’s personal best. “He’s twenty years younger than me and determined to beat my time,” Daniel laughs. “So I’ll run with him for the first half and then enjoy the rest.”
Also, Daniel’s daughters will finally be watching him along the course.
“They’ve missed me in previous races,” he says. “So I’d love to see them this time.”
He’ll also be looking out for the Fight for Sight cheer squad, whose encouragement has helped him through many miles.
“When you see the charity you’re running for cheering you on, it gives you an amazing lift.” He beams.
Cheering fundraisers at big events is just one of the ways you can 'micro volunteer' for Fight for Sight. Find out more about micro volunteering here >
Inspired to run the London Marathon in 2027 for Fight for Sight? Register your interest to run here >
5 London Marathon tips from a veteran runner
Everyone’s Marathon experience is different, but after six races, Daniel has plenty of advice for runners tackling their first 26.2 miles. For anyone preparing to run the London Marathon, Daniel’s biggest tip is simple:
Enjoy the day.
“I don’t think people realise how amazing it is,” he says. “The atmosphere is unbelievable.”
While famous landmarks like Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace make the course iconic, Daniel says the magic often lies in the unexpected moments.
“You’ll see DJs on pub roofs at nine in the morning. People dancing on bridges. The whole city feels like a festival.”
That atmosphere can be powerful when the miles start to feel tough.
“When someone in the crowd shouts your name, it gives you a huge boost.”
So what are Daniel’s top tips for making the marathon more about enjoyment than endurance?
1. Put your name on your running vest -“When people shout your name it gives you a lift you don’t expect.”
2. Enjoy the first mile - “The first mile disappears because the crowds are so loud and everyone’s excited.”
3. Expect a tough patch around mile 23–24 - “You’re close to the end but can’t quite see it yet.”
4. Let the crowd carry you - “Cheer squads - especially the charity you’re running for - make a huge difference.”
5. Remember why you’re running - “You see messages on runners’ shirts about who they’re running for. It can be emotional.”
Why marathon fundraising matters
Challenge events like the London Marathon raise vital funds that help Fight for Sight invest in research breakthroughs and community projects that change lives. Every mile run helps bring prevention, treatments and new discoveries closer - while supporting people living with vision loss today.
Thank you, Daniel
Supporters like Daniel show what is possible when people come together.
Through his fundraising, his legal expertise and his years of dedication, he has helped strengthen the community behind the work we fund - from high street charity shops to the research labs developing tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
Daniel, from all of us at Fight for Sight:
Thank you for everything you do.
Support Daniel’s London Marathon fundraising here >
Or take on your own challenge for Fight for Sight >
Together we will Save Sight. Change Lives.
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