Costas Kroustis has already raised more than £3,000 for the charity as he is cheered on by teenage blind football star Mikey

Costas Kroustis (right) with friend Mikey Poulli (left)

A man from Winchmore Hill has been inspired to run the London Marathon by a blind teenage boy who dreams of becoming a professional footballer.

Costas Kroustis is running the TCS London Marathon on 21st April in aid of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Costas, 44, says he was inspired to join Team RNIB because of a family friend, Mikey Poulli, aged 13, who has sight loss. At six years old, Mikey was diagnosed with Cone-rod dystrophy, a genetic eye condition which affects the light-sensitive cells in the retina at the back of the eyes.

As a talented footballer, Mikey was scouted by the FA at aged seven and has been training with England ever since.

Costas taking part in the London Marathon will help RNIB continue to raise awareness of the challenges blind and partially sighted people, like Mikey, face every day.

Costas, who was himself diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015, said: “My diagnosis gave me some insight into facing everyday life challenges and I wanted to help others break down those barriers, even if it’s in a small way.

“I’ve done half marathons in the past, but I’ve never done a full marathon before, this will be my first time and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m doing this for Mikey! He is without a doubt why I chose to do this for RNIB.”

Costas is a solicitor and has been boosting his donations with the support of clients, friends, and family. He has already topped his £2,000 target but hopes to raise even more to support the cause, and Mikey.

Chris Perrin, RNIB’s head of supporter-led fundraising, said: “Running a marathon is undoubtedly a huge challenge for anyone so we are very grateful to have Costas join Team RNIB this year for the TCS London Marathon. The funds raised will help the charity support the estimated two million people living with sight loss in the UK.”

To sponsor Costas and support RNIB:
Visit justgiving.com/page/cos-kroustis-1692514957806

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