A former Red Arrows pilot is determined to raise as much money as possible for Glaucoma UK after being diagnosed with the sight-threatening disease. Martin Higgins, a distinguished former member of the RAF Red Arrows, completed an epic 1,000-mile run from Land’s End to John o’ Groats, to raise awareness of glaucoma and support the charity’s new research fellowship.
Martin was diagnosed with glaucoma in 2003 during a routine eye examination. He said: “While I’m used to soaring far above the clouds in a fast jet as a former Red Arrow, on the ground, you’re most likely to find me diligently applying my glaucoma eye drops every day at my home in Buckinghamshire.”
Regular eye checks and daily eye drops kept him in the air, but soon after his diagnosis, he became aware of the shortfalls in funding for glaucoma research. Martin is also concerned for his son due to the hereditary nature of glaucoma. He said: “I hope this research will mean my son and his generation will not have to worry about glaucoma.”
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Martin wants to raise £50,000 towards Glaucoma UK’s Pitts Crick Research Fellowship appeal and has already raised more than £19,000. The Pitts Crick Career Development Fellowship, launched earlier this year, is a three-year post-doctoral research fellowship. The charity hopes the selected researcher will go on to play a pivotal role in transforming glaucoma diagnosis or treatment in the future.
Martin received support from friends and colleagues throughout the challenge, including a special flypast by the Red Arrows during his journey. To contribute to Martin’s fundraising goal, you can visit his Just Giving page.
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