Visually impaired running novice Jonathan Tear, a 51year-old civil servant and disabled children’s football coach from Ashtead in Surrey, is aiming to fulfil his dream of crossing the finish line at this year’s London Marathon in aid of The Children’s Society. 

Jonathan will be running the famous 26.2 mile course on Sunday 23 April as part of a team of 120 runners, all looking to raise vital funds towards The Children’s Society’s work.  He has already raised a fantastic £3635 and is hoping to beat his target of £4000 to help the most vulnerable children across the country suffering abuse, hardship and neglect. 

The senior civil servant has macular degeneration and started to lose his sight when he was eight years old. It has deteriorated over the years and now he can only see outlines of objects in his peripheral vision.  Due to his visual impairment he is running with a guide, Meera, who is a friend and former colleague. She is going to be guiding him through to make sure he completes the race safely.  

Jonathan’s disability has never held him back and his positive mind set is something he makes sure to pass onto everyone he works with and coaches. He is currently the head football coach for the under 13s pan-disability team at Chelsea Football Club’s training ground in Cobham.

He has been coaching there for the last seven years and provides training for children with a range of disabilities including mobility and sensory impairments, as well as physical and learning disabilities. Jonathan knows how challenging life can be for young people, and is determined to help children have the best chance in life.

Jonathan has been a longstanding supporter of The Children’s Society and has given regular monthly donations with his wife since they got married over 25 years ago. Knowing the funds he raises could change children's lives has motivated him throughout the tough training.

Reflecting on his personal experiences and determination to make a difference, Jonathan said: “I've overcome some massive challenges in my life, but running the London Marathon will be by far the biggest I've ever undertaken! 

“Having been told at an early age that due to the nature of my visual impairment, I would struggle to achieve much in my life, I've gone on to prove all the ‘experts’ wrong and I always try to share this with the team of young people I coach at Chelsea.

“Some of the training runs have really tested me to my limits but I wanted to do something practical after supporting The Children’s Society for so many years and I’m really excited and proud to be running the London marathon for them!”

The Children’s Society’s Challenge Events Co-ordinator, Reena Ruda says:
“We are so grateful to Jonathan for his inspiring efforts and determination to help vulnerable children and young people. Every penny raised by Jonathan and all our marathon runners will help The Children’s Society continue its life-changing work with children who often have nowhere else to turn.”
Jonathan’s online sponsorship page can be viewed at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jonathan-Tear

Article supplied by Charlie Coombes