Durrington school teacher to run marathon for Sightsavers

West Park First and Middle School teacher, Emily Bradford, is encouraging people of all ages to join her in running a marathon for a charity, such as international development organisation, Sightsavers.

The 22 year old, who is currently training for the Brighton Marathon, has always been naturally athletic: "I broke records in a range of sports at school and representing West Sussex. Now I'm a Primary School teacher and enjoy teaching sports with passion and enthusiasm to encourage young athletes." She said.

"I am running for Sightsavers because it supports and transforms the lives of millions of people living with disabilities in developing countries. I feel very passionate about helping people that are less fortunate than us and a marathon is a kind, rewarding and inspiring thing to take part in."

The Brighton Marathon is taking place on Sunday April 12 and has fast become one of the most iconic races in the UK, renowned for its buzzing atmosphere and roaring crowd support, the course winds through the city streets, finishing up on the spectacular Brighton seafront.

The keen runner continued: "The children and staff at my school both think the run is very inspirational. I have had a lot of support, which is so lovely! It is rewarding to educate, inspire and spark ambitions to so many young minds, it is a great feeling."

Sightsavers' Director of Individual Giving and Global Fundraising, Becki Jupp says:

"Running a marathon is no easy feat but raising money for charity is a great reason to dust off the trainers and get moving.

We ask marathon runners to sign up here: http://www.sightsavers.org/how-you-can-help/fundraise/ by March 6 and raise at least £400 to help us transform the lives of people across Africa and Asia."

There are 39 million people in the world who are blind, yet 80 percent of blindness is preventable or curable. Sightsavers works in more than 30 developing countries to prevent and cure blindness, and to support those who are visually impaired through education and training. All money raised enables Sightsavers to transform lives across Africa and Asia by giving sight back to those who cannot afford medical treatment.