Thirsk mum to run blindfolded for Guide Dogs charity

Sarah Clougher, from Thirsk, will run the Great North Run on September 13 wearing a blindfold to raise awareness for children with sight loss.

Her one-year-old daughter, Indiana, was diagnosed with a vision impairment just one day after birth.

Sarah Clougher and her daughter, Indiana. (Image: SARAH CLOUGHER)

Following Indiana’s diagnosis, Sarah turned to Guide Dogs for support, which inspired her to take part in the Great North Run to raise money for them in return.

Sarah will be guided by her friend, Lucy.

Ms Clougher said: “We’ve decided to do the Great North Run blindfolded with Lucy tethering me to raise as much awareness as possible for children with a vision impairment.

(Image: SARAH CLOUGHER)

“We are not runners, but we will give this our all.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge for me, especially being blindfolded, but I’m so excited to do it.

“All the money we raise will be given back to Guide Dogs for the support they give to children and young people with sight loss.

“Their work really is life changing and I can’t thank them enough.”

Indiana was born with bilateral congenital cataracts in 2024.

Ms Clougher said the news “turned their world upside down.”

She said: “We were sent straight to the eye clinic, where they told us Indiana had cataracts in both eyes that were blocking her vision.”

She has since undergone four surgeries.

Doctors later identified a rare gene mutation behind Indiana’s condition, which has also caused nystagmus and microphthalmia.

Ms Clougher said: “‘For her first 12 weeks, we were at the hospital three or four times a week.

“It was all so intense.

“We didn’t get a minute to digest it all.

“It was quite a depressing time, with so much to deal with.”

In search of support, Ms Clougher reached out to the charity Guide Dogs who encouraged her to attend the charity’s My Time to Play sessions, which she described as hugely beneficial.

Ms Clougher said: “When we first started going, Indiana was very shy.

“She used to be quite wary of different textures, and she was terrified of people.

“Indiana’s gotten so much exposure from the group, and now she’s into everything, and she’s so social.

“She loves her touchy-feely books and her food.

“She’s my little wild child now.”

• For those wishing to support her fundraising efforts, donations can be made via her Great North Run fundraising page.

Guide Dogs has also supported the family through sensory resources, light therapy, and ongoing advice.

Ms Clougher said: “Guide Dogs have provided myself and Indie with incredible support.

“She attends the My Time to Play sessions fortnightly, she’s received sensory bundles and light therapy from them and the support is ongoing.

“They really are Indie’s biggest supporters and will continue to provide support and advice for the foreseeable future.”

To date, Ms Clougher has raised more than £730 for Guide Dogs, surpassing her initial target of £500.