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A mother-of-two will be taking part in a virtual marathon to raise money for a sight loss charity – a cause close to heart having lost the sight in her right eye.

Emma Arnold, 33, first noticed black spots in her right eye 15 years ago.

As the spots got progressively worse, Emma was rushed into hospital, where she discovered she had suffered a blood clot in the back of her eye.

Emma, from Cefn Hengoed, was told her sight could not be saved.

Emma said: “I was devastated. I had just completed my A-levels and passed my driving test, then everything was turned upside down.

“Things got even worse when I woke up one night in excruciating pain. I was rushed to hospital where I was told that the pressure in my eye was 58 – the normal range is around 20. I now have no sight at all in my right eye.”

The news had a huge impact on Emma’s mental wellbeing.

She said: “I definitely went through a grieving process. I became very depressed, and at my darkest times contemplated ending my life.

“Thankfully I have very supportive family and friends who helped me through.”

Throughout May, Emma will be taking part in the Marathon Mates challenge to raise money for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Cymru.

RNIB Cymru is a charity which supports people who have experienced sight loss across Wales.

As part of the fundraiser, Emma will be partnering up with her friend and colleague Nadine Borja to run half a mile each day throughout May.

Together, they are hoping to raise £150 for the charity.

Emma said she is taking on the challenge because she wants other people to be able to access the same “crucial help” she received from the RNIB Helpline.

The charity is encouraging people to take part in the Marathon Mates challenge with a friend, partner, housemate or family member, splitting the distance of a marathon (26.2 miles) between them throughout the month.

People can run, walk, jog or skip the distance in their own time and at their own pace.

RNIB Cymru director Ansley Workman said: “The last year has been particularly challenging for blind and partially-sighted people.

“Taking part in Marathon Mates will help to raise vital funds for RNIB to provide support and advice to the 121,000 people living with sight loss in Wales.

“No one should have to face their sight loss journey alone.”

She added: “We’re delighted that Emma and Nadine are taking on the challenge. We will support them every step of the way and wish them the best of luck.”

For more information about the challenge and how to take part, visit marathonmates.rnib.org.uk.

The RNIB helpline can be called on 03031239999.