Ireland’s Rugby World Cup Star, new NCBI board member and Athlone native, Robbie Henshaw is supporting NCBI and former Paralympian Peter Ryan to raise much needed funds and awareness this World Sight Day.
Robbie recently joined NCBI’s Board following a long stint as an NCBI ambassador, and he hopes to help influence real change in his new role.
“I am delighted to join the Group Board of NCBI having previously worked with the organisation for several years. My past experiences interacting with NCBI helped me get an insight into the incredible work the organisation does across Ireland for the sight loss community. Now by joining their Board, I can contribute and learn even more and collaborate with my fellow Board members in progressing NCBI’s many exciting opportunities available now and into the future,” Robbie Henshaw said.
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 found solace in sport and competing in the 2016 and 2019 Paralympics.
Peter is taking on the 586km challenge which will take place over five days culminating on October 12th, 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.
“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,” Robbie added.
“I received huge support from NCBI upon my diagnosis which has 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,” Peter concluded.
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.
