'I have little sight but I still keep running'

A severely sight impaired woman from Jersey who relies on running guides is due to take part in her 250th Parkrun later.

Jenny Stafford completed her first Parkrun in 2016 and, along with a guide and her guide dog Nan, is planning to participate in the milestone run at Quennevais Sports Centre.

Ms Stafford has retinitis pigmentosa which means she sees very little and is just about able to distinguish daylight from night.

She said: "I couldn't do it without a guide so I'm really appreciative of all of the guides who have been guiding me since my first run and continue to come along and guide me."

Since December 2016, there has been a co-ordinated a rota of about 25 volunteer guides to help Ms Stafford around the 5km (3.1 miles) course.

Ms Stafford said: "I wouldn't be able to get to my 250th run without every one of them who has given up their Saturday morning to come and guide me.

"I have very little sight - I just see bright lights.

"It's all about communication, just talking and telling me about what obstacles there are."

She encouraged anyone else with a sight impairment who might be interested in Parkrun to "come along and have a go".

"You don't need to be super fit to take part in Parkrun, you can walk it at your own pace and there are plenty of friendly people willing to guide," she said.

"I've made some really good friends through Parkrun.

"I wouldn't have been able to get to my 250 without every one of them who has given up their Saturday morning to guide me."

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