RNIB - See Sport Differently

There is a famous phrase or saying that goes along the lines of ‘everyone has a book inside them’ which might be true but what about the challenges of not only writing your first book but self publishing it too. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Helen McCann a Guide Dog Owner from Somerset who has not only written her first book ‘Running Blind’ but is also self publishing the book too.  

Helen’s marathon running story starts in 2016 when Helen was challenged to run the Bath Half Marathon and the London Marathon 2017.  At the time Helen was 59 years old, a non runner and a  sucker for a challenge, so Helen decided she was going to do both events with a guide runner.

It was during Helen’s preparation for both events running out on the roads and in the gym that many people suggested that she should write a book about not just her marathon journey but also her personal life story too and how she had overcome disabilities to live a full and active life. 

Helen tells Toby about her training for the two marathon running events, what it was like waiting in the holding pens before the start gun and finding her pace with her Guide Runner.

To then giving a bit of insight into some of her personal life that readers will find in ‘Running Blind’ before talking about how Helen found the self publishing process as a visually impaired person. 

‘Running Blind’ will be published by Helen towards the end of May in standard and large print with the hope that an audio book version will also be available soon. 

You can find out more about how to order your copy of  ‘Running Blind’ by Helen McCann by either emailing [email protected] or if you are on Facebook just search for Running Blind Helen McCann to find Helen’s Facebook page. 


(Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

England and Wales Blind Golf took a visit to South Africa for the long-awaited World Championships and South African Open.

Amelia got and update from Secretary and B2 World Champion Andy Gilford, and heard from 86-year-old golfer Danny and his wife and sighted guide Di about what the sport means to them.

Go to ewblindgolf.co.uk to learn more about Blind Golf.

Image Description: England and Wales Blind Golf logo featuring a red figure in a cap swinging a golf club.

The countdown is well underway for a great summer of para sports. Hywel Davies caught up with Adam Lione from the England Partially Sighted Football side, to hear about their latest training camp.

Image: Adam kicking the ball while taking part in a football training session.

Ramblers GB encourages us to get out and about to improve our physical and mental health.

As well as showing us great walks, for all abilities, their volunteers maintain and look after a great many routes for us to enjoy.

The association has just unveiled it’s new President who’s dedicated to growing our interest in getting out and about.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Tom Platt, from The Ramblers, and their new President.

For more info on the organisation, go to www.ramblers.org.uk

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Image: Amar Latif, Ramblers New President

Saturday April 8th will see the latest round of matches for the European Blind Football League come to Hereford.

The Royal National College for the Blind will not only host the matches, their own team will be taking part.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Coach Adam Bendall and 1 of their players, Kieran Clarke, to find out more…

You can watch the matches, with audio described commentary, by going to www.rnc.ac.uk

Or via their Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/RNCHereford

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Image: The Royal National College for the Blind, Blind Football Team

Ahead of the World Blind Games in Birmingham this summer, we’re getting to know some of the athletes taking part. Hywel Davies has been speaking to Archer Clive Jones.

You can find out more about finding a sport that’s right for you by visiting the British Blind Sport activity finder – www.britishblindsport.org.uk/see-sport-differently

Step Change Studios is an award-winning dance company which provides classes for all abilities and ages. 

Amelia talked to Step Change Studio founder, Dr Rashmi Becker MBE, about how the company began, their upcoming free Bollywood and Latin dance classes for blind and partially sighted students and how they're making dance more inclusive by providing training for fitness and dance professionals.

You can learn more about the classes, workshops and future events from Step Change Studios by going to their website stepchangestudios.com

If you know a young person who’s looking for a new challenge, VI Rugby might be the answer, as Hywel Davies finds out.

To find out more information about the Dragons VI Rugby sessions, contact Inclusion Officer Karen Burgess via email at [email protected]

British Blind Sport has launched new training sessions to help organisations from across the private, public and 3rd sectors, make their sport and leisure activities accessible and inclusive for blind and partially sighted people of all ages. 

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Frankie, from BBS, to find out more.

You can get more info on the training and the work of BBS by visiting www.britishblindsport.org.uk

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Image: British Blind Sport logo

Are you looking to get out and about? With more on how you can keep active in the Glasgow area, here's David Hogg.