Henshaw lends support to epic Malin to Mizen run for NCBI

Ireland’s Rugby World Cup star and new NCBI board member Robbie Henshaw is supporting NCBI and former Paralympian Peter Ryan to raise funds and awareness this World Sight Day.

After a long stint as an NCBI ambassador, and now a board member, Robbie is a huge supporter of the upcoming Peter’s Run from Malin to Mizen – a mammoth task to be tackled by Peter Ryan, who lost his sight at the age of 19 to a rare genetic condition called Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.

A former Tipperary hurler, he found coming to terms with sight loss extremely difficult, but found solace in sport and competing in the 2016 and 2019 Paralympics.

Peter is taking on the 586km challenge over five days culminating on October 12, which is World Sight Day 2023.

All funds raised from the run will support NCBI’s Vision Van, which is Ireland’s first mobile eye health information and awareness unit.

Robbie Henshaw said: “This will be a fantastic challenge for Peter, and I hugely applaud him for undertaking it.

"NCBI does incredible work across Ireland for the sight loss community and Peter’s fundraising will play a big role in helping people right across the country break down the barriers face.”

Peter added: “I received huge support from NCBI on my diagnosis, which enabled me to learn a new way of living.

"I am taking on this challenge as a way of giving back to the charity, to raise awareness about vision loss and impairment and to challenge the stigma that is associated with disability.”

To donate to Peter’s fundraising efforts, visit petersvision.org]petersvision.org or follow the Peter’s journey on social media at @petersvision01 and #PetersRun.

NCBI also wishes Robbie Henshaw and the entire Ireland Rugby Team the best of luck in their World Cup adventure.