Lillie Prentice, a 22-year-old from Sandy, Bedfordshire, is preparing to run the Chiltern 50 Ultra Challenge, a 50km countryside route, to raise funds for the sight-loss charity Guide Dogs. Her younger sister, Esmé, 17, was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a rare genetic condition causing progressive vision loss, at age 14 and was registered blind within a year.
A Sister's Inspiration
Lillie said: “It has been a challenge for her to adapt to this new way of life. The battles she faces every day make this 50km run feel like nothing in comparison. She inspires me constantly with her resilience.” Despite losing her sight, Esmé is now studying at a performing arts college and refuses to let her disability hold her back.
Guide Dogs has provided Esmé with large-print materials and connected her with local support groups as she prepares for independent living. Lillie added: “I know that having a guide dog will give her the freedom to become whoever she wants to be. That’s why this charity means so much to me.”
Fundraising for a Vital Cause
Training a single guide dog costs more than £35,000, making community fundraising essential to support the 5,000 working dogs across the UK. Because Stargardt disease has no known cure, Lillie wants to use her challenge to raise awareness of childhood blindness. She said: “We were unaware of Esmé’s condition until she started showing symptoms. Our family has learned so much about blindness, and I want to help educate others too.”
Two years ago, Lillie completed a half marathon for Moorfields Eye Hospital, but this 50km route will push her further than ever. She concluded: “If running this 50km meant finding a cure for my sister, I’d run it a thousand times over.”
Event Details and How to Support
The Chiltern 50 Ultra Challenge takes place on September 26 in the Chiltern Hills, Henley-on-Thames. Registration fees vary depending on the chosen distance and fundraising option. To donate to the fundraising campaign, visit www.justgiving.com/page/lillie-prentice-2. To sign up for the event, visit www.ultrachallenge.com/chiltern-50.
