Sign up for the Hot Topics newsletter for hot style and sex tips
We have more newsletters
A deafblind woman with a rare condition which left her future uncertain is taking on the London Marathon.
Paige Barnes, 21, was diagnosed in 2018 with Usher Syndrome type three.
Her diagnosis makes up only 2% of cases out of all three of the genetic disease.
READ MORE: Mum born with no collarbones shows off 'party trick' by folding body in half
Having been profoundly deaf since childhood and using cochlear implants to navigate communication with others, Paige started to lose her sight as a teen.
And after a Specsavers appointment, it led to Paige being told that her sight would continue to deteriorate.
She has no peripheral vision and black spots in her centre field – but this hasn't stopped her from living life.
While she is training to become a hairdresser, Paige has been training for the London Marathon on Sunday (2 October).
In an exclusive interview with Daily Star, the inspiring woman shared how she has not let her diagnosis stop her in her tracks – quite literally.
Paige shared: "I’ve never really been into sports growing up so when I first ever told my friends and family they wasn’t sure if I was serious or taking it as a joke.
"I have proven to a lot of people what I have in me.
"I found training a bit of a mixed emotions, it's been hard at times keeping myself motivated as I train alone but knowing I’m doing this for a good cause has drove me on.
"When I started training, I was running in the evenings as it’s getting darker earlier now, I’ve changed my training plan and run in the mornings."
She continued: "Yes [it's harder with diagnosis], running is the main part of training.
"I make sure that I don’t leave my house too early in the morning or leave too late in the afternoon to avoid being out when it gets too dark.
"I ensure a family member at home can track me while on the run in case of an emergency or need to get to me if something were to happen."
Determined to compete the 26.2 miles in 5 to 5 and a half hours, Paige is raising money for charity Sense which supports people with complex disabilities
"I’ve never run a full marathon but two weeks ago completed a half marathon at Richmond Park", she admitted.
"I’m feeling confident although I know that I’ve got a challenge ahead of me but I’m determined to achieve my goal. There is some nervous feeling there too."
Paige is used to facing challenges in life, and previously spoke candidly about her diagnosis.
“At first, I was very shocked and didn’t know what to do or how it would impact my life. I had no clue what it was and the same goes to my family, we had no knowledge of it", she voiced.
“I was devastated about it for a bit, as some things have now been taken away from me such as I will never be able to drive. Being diagnosed at the age of 17 and knowing that I’m old enough to understand was a lot to take into having to accept the diagnosis.
“So after receiving my diagnosis I thought to myself nothing changed, just because I’ve been given a name of my condition, why should I let it define who I am.
“I was always a happy girl growing up, I just think treat everyday like it’s your last day."
Paige has raised £655 and hopes to raise £1,700 for the charity. You can donate here.
READ NEXT:
Woman with 'lazy' eye joins OnlyFans and feels 'free' exposing body – despite trolls
Curvy woman with psoriasis defies trolls who call her 'ugly' to celebrate skin
Model with cystic acne branded 'pizza face' now earns £790k embracing bare skin
Mum born with no collarbones shows off 'party trick' by folding body in half
- Exclusives
- London Marathon
Source: Read Full Article
