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Bodicote man running virtual marathon for British Tinnitus Association
01/10/2021
Richard Delaney has been struggling with worsening tinnitus including a buzzing noise for six years
A Bodicote man will be running a virtual Virgin Money London marathon this weekend as he seeks to raise money and awareness for the British Tinnitus Association (BTA). For Richard Delaney, 38, this will be his first ever marathon, run for a charity that is very close to his heart.
Whilst many people are heading to the capital on Sunday to complete the 26.2 mile marathon around London’s streets, many more are also completing a 26.2 mile course virtually elsewhere around the UK. Richard will complete his marathon at Draycote.
The British Tinnitus Association have helped Richard manage his tinnitus, a debilitating condition that affects around 75,000 adults in Oxfordshire alone, and one in eight people across the UK.
Richard said: “For years I lived and coped with tinnitus with minimal impact on my daily life. However last year the loudness increased dramatically, combined with the addition of a new buzzing noise I was left struggling to cope and my mental health deteriorated rapidly. Desperate and in need of help the BTA was suggested to me.
“I called the helpline and will always be grateful to the lovely lady who answered and empathised with my situation and gave great advice. Within a few days I was attending online support groups which gave and continue to give me so much hope and support. Realising I am not alone in this struggle is a huge comfort.”
The British Tinnitus Association’s vision is “A world where no one suffers from tinnitus” which Richard fully supports. He said: “I am running the marathon to raise awareness that the BTA is there to help people like myself who have this horrendous condition and to raise as much money as possible.”
As well as offering support for people living with tinnitus right now via their free helpline, web chat service and online events, the BTA are also one of the largest tinnitus research funders in the UK.
The BTA’s Fundraising Officer Jess Pollard commented “We’re thrilled that Richard was able to access the support he needed to manage his tinnitus from our team, and so grateful this he is now taking on the marathon challenge to make sure we can continue to be there for people in need. Thank you, Richard!”
You can donate to Richard’s marathon fundraiser here.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam