Visually impaired running novice Jonathan Tear, a 51year-old civil servant and disabled children’s football coach from Ashtead in Surrey, was inspired to run the London Marathon to help vulnerable children and young people and proudly crossed the finish line on Sunday to raise almost five thousand pounds for The Children’s Society. 

Jonathan completed the gruelling 26.2 mile course in an impressive four hours and 16 minutes along with his running partner and guide Meera Nayyar, on Sunday 23 April to support the charity’s work with the most vulnerable children across the country who experience issues such as abuse, hardship and neglect.  So far, he has raised an impressive £4821.00 towards the charity’s work with vulnerable children and young people.

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 was running with a guide, Meera, who is a friend and former colleague. She guided him through to make sure he completed the race safely.  

Jonathan is passionate about helping young people – 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.

Reflecting on his personal experiences and determination to make a difference, Jonathan said: “Running the London Marathon has been both challenging and rewarding in so many ways.

The support we have been given by The Children’s Society and all the spectators along the route has been so motivating - it was amazing experience for amazing cause.”

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