Eye injury inspired runner's marathon fundraising mission

A Lytham man who suffered an eye injury that led to him needing a cornea transplant is fundraising for the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
By Julia Bennett
Published 14th Oct 2020, 07:00 BST
Ian Conuel, who ran the virtual London marathon from his home in Lytham, with wife Annette Conuel, who cycled alongside himIan Conuel, who ran the virtual London marathon from his home in Lytham, with wife Annette Conuel, who cycled alongside him
Ian Conuel, who ran the virtual London marathon from his home in Lytham, with wife Annette Conuel, who cycled alongside him

Ian Conuel, 51, ran the virtual London Marathon to boost funds for the RNIB after witnessing the charity’s support first hand.

Ian, who works at BAE systems at Warton, said: “The RNIB has become such an important charity to me over the years as I’ve come to appreciate the significance of their work and how

they help people come to terms with impaired vision.”

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Ian ConuelIan Conuel
Ian Conuel

June 2020 marked the fifth anniversary of an eye injury that very nearly caused permanent loss of sight in Ian’s right eye.

When Ian suffered a bad eye infection which turned into an eye ulcer he was told his sight would never be the same again.

After a year of treatment, Ian went on to receive a cornea transplant.

Ian’s wife, Annette Conuel, who cycled alongside him during his marathon run to provide fluids, said: “Ian ran from our house on Cypress Point and completed the marathon distance.

“His time was an outstanding four hours eight minutes.”

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Ian added: “The London Marathon went pretty well for me, all the preparation and training since January must have helped!

“I found it particularly tough between miles 21 and 23 but once I saw the White Church on the horizon I got a second wind.”

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ian-conuel2

Related topics:LythamWartonBAE Systems