"I want to find a cure"

Just four days before her 72nd birthday Sandra Orlando will be running the London Marathon to Beat Macular Disease.

Sandra only started running as a New Year’s resolution at the age of 64. Since then, she has completed a streak of more than 500 continuous days of running at least a mile, and qualified to represent England in her age group at the marathon distance. It was her impressive times that secured her a place at this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon.

Sandra was diagnosed with macular disease a number of years ago and received a series of sight-saving injections in her eye. She is determined for it not to impact her life and is hoping to raise vital funds to help find a cure.

She said: “It’s the leading cause of sight loss in the UK, there’s no cure, and treatment, if appropriate, is monthly injections in your eye ball. That usually gets people’s attention.”

“Although I remain optimistic that I will continue to lead a normal life, I want to take the opportunity now, through my London Marathon run, to raise money towards research into finding a cure.”

Sandra is hoping to raise at least £2,620 for the Macular Society, which would represent £100 per mile of the 26.2 mile event.

If you would like to join team macular we have spaces in a variety of events