Sean Bailey took on the challenge of the Manchester Marathon in April 2025 to raise funds for East Cheshire Eye Society. A long-time volunteer with the charity, Sean combined his passion for running with his dedication to supporting people living with sight loss, raising over £3,000 in the process.
We asked Sean to share his story:
Q: What inspired you to sign up for the Manchester Marathon?
A: I’d been entering the London Marathon ballot for several years as I have family there and spent three years at university in the city. Just before London 2024 took place, I entered the ballot for 2025. A week later, I received an email offering a discounted entry for the Manchester Marathon, the same day as London, with a full refund if I got into London. Having already completed the Manchester Half Marathon and the Great North Run, it felt like a natural step up. Sarah, my wife, agreed it was practical with our other commitments, so I signed up. Months later, I found out I hadn’t been successful in the London ballot — so Manchester it was!
Q: Why did you choose to run for ECES?
A: I’ve been volunteering for ECES for two and a half years and wanted to support them rather than a national charity.
Q: Do you have a personal connection to ECES or its cause?
A: Yes — my mother was visually impaired before losing her sight, which was partially restored through a procedure called OOKP. She relied on fantastic support from family, friends and Manchester-based sight charities. When I retired, I came across an ECES leaflet in Macclesfield Library and decided to get involved. I now volunteer as a sighted guide for the VI Crown Green Bowling group, drive the minibus for trips out and helped set up the Men in Sight group. ECES also introduced me to the Macclesfield Talking Newspaper, where I’m now an active volunteer.
Q: Was this your first marathon and how did you find the training?
A: Yes. I found a beginner’s marathon book in Macclesfield Library that recommended running three times a week and staying active on the other three days with cycling, yoga and swimming. John, another ECES volunteer, cycles with me at Macclesfield Leisure Centre. Craig and Jenna stopped me eating biscuits at bowls, Sarah managed my diet and Steve from bowls recommended routes like the Middlewood Way. The plan gave me structure, but I had to be flexible around other commitments.
Q: What was the toughest part of the marathon and how did you keep going?
A: The heat. I quickly realised a fast time wasn’t possible, so it became about survival and getting it done.
Q: Were there any standout or emotional moments on the day?
A: I decided to take in every moment as I wouldn’t be doing this again. A good friend, Alex from work, was also running and we met on the start line, during the race and after finishing. Sarah and her best friend Susan navigated the huge queues to see me at different points and I also spotted one of my oldest friends, Ash and his wife Heidi. The crowd was amazing, and starting from Manchester United’s ground, as a red, was really special.
Q: How did it feel crossing the finish line?
A: Pure relief at completing it in under six hours and in one piece!
Q: How did you go about fundraising and how much did you raise?
A: I raised just over £3,000. Alan set up a Local Giving page and I told everyone I knew, both in person and on social media. Alan also interviewed me for the Talking Newspaper, which ended up being split over three months because we had so much to say! Helen promoted it within ECES, John spread the word among Trustees and the Macclesfield support group and the service users have been incredibly supportive.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about running for ECES next year?
A: Do it! You’ll get amazing support from ECES and the service users.
Q: Would you do it again or take on another challenge?
A: I’d consider another challenge, maybe team-based or a relay, ideally involving a visually impaired participant.
Sean’s marathon journey was all about determination, community and a real connection to what ECES does. With the support of family, friends and fellow volunteers, he crossed the finish line and raised important funds to help people with sight loss live more independently.