A Fife gym instructor is taking on the Edinburgh marathon to raise vital funds to support people with sight loss.
Barry Dickson, from Glenrothes, is running the 26.2-mile route from Edinburgh city centre to Musselburgh at the end of May to raise money for Seescape.
The marathon man, who describes himself as a ‘fitness enthusiast’ will be one of 35,000 runners to tackle the famous course.
Barry, 40, works for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust. He is hoping to raise £1000 for Seescape and has already received more than £600 towards his target.
Barry’s fundraising will support Seescape’s work to support people throughout Fife who are living with sight loss.
The charity, formally known as Fife Society for the Blind, helps those with sight loss live more independently and provides a range of services including rehabilitation, advice, and technology demonstrations.
It supports more than 3500 people every year in Fife with social opportunities, community-based assessments, home visits, and drop-ins at its visual impairment hub in Glenrothes to give information on the latest support and technologies available.
Barry’s wife, Gemma, has worked at Seescape since 2005 and is now the charity’s operations manager.
Her job means Barry knows exactly how much Seescape’s work means to people living with sight loss in Fife and is determined to raise awareness of the charity.
The couple have two daughters, Hayley and Hannah, and recently added to their family with Daisy, the fox red labrador puppy. Barry hopes to train the dog as a running partner – and the whole family will be cheering Barry on as he tackles the gruelling course.
Barry Dickson said:
“Seescape is a charity close to my heart. My wife has worked there for many years, and I hope through this, I will help raise awareness for this vital charity.
“I am always looking for a new way to challenge myself and a marathon was the next step for me. I’ve always planned to do a marathon and now just seemed the right time. I am a keen runner but have only competed in shorter distances, like 5ks and 10ks.
“The training has been difficult. The time commitment is the biggest issue. Working shifts and caring for my family means it has been a juggle.”
“Daisy is only 11 weeks so not allowed out yet. Maybe next time she can come training with me. She’ll certainly be there on the day with the rest of the family to cheer me on.”
Lesley Carcary, Seescape’s Chief Executive, said:
“We are incredibly proud of Barry for the long hours he is putting into his training and so grateful to him for taking on this challenge to support our work.
“Every penny he raises will go towards supporting people across Fife who are living with sight loss and will make a huge difference as we work to tackle social isolation and help people live their lives to the full.
“We all wish Barry the very best of luck and will be cheering for him on marathon day.
“If you are inspired by his efforts and would like to take on a fundraising challenge for us, please get in touch.”
Gemma Dickson, Seescape Operations Manager and Barry’s wife, said:
“Barry decided he would like to help raise awareness of Seescape as we are sometimes confused with other national charities. I’m impressed by how much Barry has raised so far and I’m very proud that he has taken on this huge commitment to get Seescape’s name out there. With his shift work, it has been difficult fitting in the time to run, but come rain or shine, he has been out there training.”
You can support Barry by donating to his page here.