15 July 2024
A distinguished former member of the RAF Red Arrows has run from Land’s End to John O’Groats, completing the 1000-mile challenge to raise awareness of glaucoma.
Supporting Glaucoma UK in its 50th anniversary year, Martin Higgins trained for 18 months in preparation for the mammoth challenge, which he hopes will increase public awareness of the sight threatening disease and raise funds for research.
Higgins was diagnosed with glaucoma in 2003 following a routine eye exam. While regular eye exams and daily eye drops allowed him to continue flying, after his diagnosis he became aware of the shortfalls in funding for glaucoma research.
Through the 1000 mile on-foot challenge, Higgins aims to raise £50,000 for Glaucoma UK’s Pitts Crick Research Fellowship. To date he has raised £19,000, which includes a £2500 donation from Specsavers.
The importance of research
Glaucoma UK established the three-year post-doctoral Pitts Crick Research Fellowship earlier this year and hopes that “the selected researcher will go on to play a pivotal role in transforming glaucoma diagnosis or treatment in the future.”
Reflecting on the importance of research into the disease, Higgins said: “I hope this research will mean my son and his generation will not have to worry about glaucoma.”
He added: “An estimated 700,000 people have glaucoma in the UK, but half of them don’t know it. Regular eye tests are crucial for early detection. It’s why I undertook this mission.”
Glaucoma UK’s chief executive, Joanne Creighton, highlighted that just 1.3% of health research funding in the UK is given to eye research.
She expressed: “We are proud of Martin for successfully completing this remarkable challenge. The charity is deeply appreciative of his unwavering commitment and dedication to raising awareness of glaucoma and funds for glaucoma research.”
As Glaucoma UK marks its 50th anniversary throughout 2024, it is asking the public to pledge one action through its “I will…” campaign to raise awareness of the disease.
You can support Higgins through his JustGiving page.
Read OT’s coverage of glaucoma, including on this year’s Glaucoma Awareness Week, on our website.
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