Grandmother's Marathon Effort to Raise Awareness and Funds for Macular Degeneration

Strategic Insights -

Jan Dodd, a 70-year-old grandmother diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, is running her first-ever marathon alongside her daughter Emma Goss to raise awareness and funds for the condition. The dynamic duo will don bright yellow running gear in the London Marathon on April 23, highlighting the most common cause of blindness. Jan's determination to raise awareness and funds for The Macular Society is an inspiring example of how individuals can make a difference in their communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jan Dodd, a 70-year-old grandmother, is running her first-ever marathon to raise awareness and funds for macular degeneration, a condition she has been living with for over 10 years.
  • Jan, alongside her daughter Emma Goss, will participate in the London Marathon on April 23, wearing bright yellow running gear to highlight the condition.
  • The grandmother-of-four had to give up driving over two years ago due to her diagnosis and now struggles with daily activities such as reading and recognizing faces.
  • The Dodd family, including Jan's husband Phil, are holding a series of fundraising events, including a coffee morning, quiz, and car boot sale, to support The Macular Society.
  • The charity provides vital services, including counseling, advice, and befriending, to individuals gradually losing their sight.
  • The Macular Society is also committed to funding research into a cure for untreatable dry macular degeneration.

Statistics:

  • Over 600,000 people in the UK are living with macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness (Source: Macular Society).
  • Dry macular degeneration affects approximately 80% of people with the condition, with no current cure available (Source: Macular Society).
  • The Macular Society supports over 100,000 people per year through their counseling, advice, and befriending services (Source: Macular Society).
  • Jan has already raised £175 through a car boot sale and aims to raise more through her marathon efforts (Source: Jan Dodd).

Sources:

  • Macular Society
  • JustGiving: JANDODDEMMAGOS