A Long Run

After a childhood accident, Woodford Green resident Rob Dunn has only recently returned to running. Next year, he’ll take on the London Marathon in aid of a charity that has helped him get back on his feet

In April 2027, I’ll be running the London Marathon to raise funds for a charity close to my heart. It’s a race I never thought I’d be capable of running.

When I was 10, I was hit by a car. The accident left me with a shattered femur, a dislocated hip and a brain injury. What followed was years of surgery and rehabilitation, including a nine-hour operation to reconstruct my leg, before I was able to walk normally again. I’ve recovered well from the brain injury, though I still have difficulties with concentration, attention and finding the right words. It’s only in the last few months that my physiotherapist has given me the go-ahead to start a structured return to running, building up gradually; still a long way from 26.2 miles, but I’m moving in the right direction. So, this marathon isn’t just about the distance. It’s about proving to myself that I can do something I once assumed was permanently off the table.

By day, I work for the charity Blind Veterans UK, where I’ve been for the past seven years. Blind Veterans UK helps veterans with significant sight loss to regain independence and rebuild their lives. Their support is lifelong and includes rehabilitation and Motability training, practical equipment to make daily tasks easier, support in the home, health and wellbeing services and social and community activities.

It’s a charity close to my heart for more reasons than one. They’ve supported me with reasonable adjustments at work to help manage the lasting effects of my brain injury, and over the years, I’ve seen first-hand the difference the charity makes in veterans’ lives. Outside work, I also volunteer locally as a reader for Redbridge Talking Newspaper and

I’m involved with Redbridge Drama Centre’s community theatre group, so between that, training and fundraising, I’ve become a fairly familiar face around Woodford Green and South Woodford lately!

My fundraising target is £2,500, and at the time of writing, I’m just over halfway there. Most of my donations have come from standing in the foyer with my collection bucket at the end of Redbridge Drama Centre performances – a captive, generous audience. I’ve also had a great response elsewhere locally, including after giving a talk at Ilford and District Indoor Bowls Club and from The Monkhams pub manager donating his quiz night takings and keeping my collection bucket on the bar. A raffle I ran through Redbridge Talking Newspaper also sold well, thanks to generous supporters.

If you see a slightly out-of-breath runner in a Blind Veterans UK vest around South Woodford over the coming months, that’s probably me. I’d love it if you felt able to spare a pound or two to help me support visually impaired veterans.