Hannah's story

With the London Marathon fast approaching, we spoke to runner Hannah to find out why she wanted to raise funds for RSBC.

 

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, Hannah?

I’m a 44 year old mum to 3 awesome children, and I’m proud to work in a busy A&E department for the NHS.

In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, and I only took up running properly last summer. I’m passionate about raising money for charity, so if I can do an event and raise money, it’s a win-win! So far, I’ve done 3 marathon hikes, midnight mountain climbs, Brave The Shave, climbed Kilimanjaro, completed the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge and, after the marathon, I’ll be taking part in the National Three Peaks. So I definitely enjoy a challenge!

 

Why did you decide to run for RSBC?

Last year my friend Sharn, who ran for RSBC in 2024, and whose daughter, Maya, is registered blind, put on social media that she had a place available for her charity, RSBC. I literally jumped at the chance. I knew from the off that it would push me massively, but it’s a huge privilege that she chose me. Most importantly, I’m doing this for the inspiring, strong mother and little girl I’m honoured to know.

 

This is your first full marathon. With the countdown well and truly underway, how are you feeling?

I’m feeling focused and very excited. Of course I’m feeling the nerves, but I’m confident that my mental strength will get me through the day. I’m ready! And I couldn’t be prouder to put on my running shoes and RSBC vest on Sunday.

 

How has your training been going?

I started off on a treadmill until I felt ready to get going on the road last autumn. Now, with the marathon day almost here, I’m feeling ready. I’ve had a few minor running injuries which have kept me off my feet, but I managed to complete the Cardiff Half Marathon in March. It was a great experience, and it was amazing to get my hands on my first running medal.

 

You’ve almost reached your fundraising target of £2,500! How does that feel?

I’ve reached a staggering fundraising amount so far. I was worried about the target when I heard how much it was, but the support from my family, friends, the community and my children’s school has been overwhelming. I hope I can smash the £2,500 target soon.

 

Tell us a bit about how your relationship with Sharn and Maya?

I’ve known Sharn for nearly 12 years. Our eldest children started at the same nursery, then went onto the same primary and secondary schools. Sharn has been a massive help with my fundraising, and I can’t thank her enough.

I’ve always had total admiration for Sharn, who qualified as a paediatric nurse while juggling a busy home life with children, then adding Maya’s diagnosis into the mix too. She handles everything with strength like I’ve never known.

 

Has knowing Sharn and Maya made you more aware of the challenges young people with a vision impairment face?

Every day, we take for granted that we can see. We carry out tasks without even thinking about them. Then you imagine a world where your vision is altered, and suddenly even the simplest of tasks can seem like a huge mission. But Maya’s shown that with the right support and adjustments you can flourish.

 

Did you have any misconceptions about vision impairment previously?

Two big words that I feel are very relevant when I think about misconceptions are fear and boundaries. Sharn has faced every challenge for Maya head on – for example, my children swim at similar times to Maya and I’m always in total awe when I watch her in the water.

But that wouldn’t have been possible without Sharn getting over some hurdles of her own, such as the fear she had to overcome to get Maya in the water. With her incredible mum’s support, Maya has been able to live her life without limits.

 

When you and your children spend time with Maya, do you make any adjustments so that you can accommodate her needs better?

My children are Daniel (14), Stan (9), and Martha (nearly 7). Stan and Martha are in the same school as Maya, and Martha tells me that at school she enjoys spending time with Maya, talking to her and guiding her, and taking time to describe things in greater detail.

 

How do you feel that RSBC has impacted Sharn and Maya’s lives?

RSBC has definitely helped Sharn find her inner strength. At only a few weeks old, Maya was diagnosed as blind, and Sharn and her family went through some very tough days. But with the emotional and practical support of their RSBC family practitioner, Sharn and her other children soon became the tower of strength for Maya. They’ve shown that having sight loss doesn’t need to stop you doing anything.

 

How much will Sharn and Maya inspire you to keep going during the marathon?

My training has been full of emotions and challenges, but each time I put on my running shoes, I think about why I’m doing this. Every day is full of highs and lows for Sharn and Maya, but they always come out smiling and stronger! And, to be honest, Maya’s smile and strength is enough to inspire anyone. Together, they’ll give me the strength to get to the finish line. I’ll always be forever grateful to Sharn for giving me this marathon place – it means the world, and it’s all for you, Maya.

You can donate to Hannah’s fundraising page here – Hannah Morgan is fundraising for Royal Society for Blind Children