Inspiring blind MDX student set to run the London Marathon

PhD student Deepika Nallathambi will be running the 26.2 mile marathon to raise money for the RNIB 

An inspiring research student from Middlesex University who is blind will run in the London Marathon to raise cash for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Deepika Nallathambi, 41, who is studying for a PhD in Creative Writing, will run the iconic 26.2 mile route through the capital on Sunday April 27 to support the charity.

Her inspirational journey began when Deepika was spotted running around halls next to the main Hendon campus by a former Middlesex University academic Professor Christine Broughan, who herself is a world-class athlete and was a member of Team GB in Triathlon.

Recognising Deepika’s dedication, Prof Broughan immediately saw an opportunity to help and worked with Ben Underwood, a Senior Operations Manager for the University’s Sport and Recreation Service, to create a training regime for Deepika and ensure she could access the fitness facilities on campus.

This marked a turning point for Deepika who has also been taking part in weekly Parkrun events at Sunnyhill Park in Hendon with the help of organisers.

“It’s not just a physical activity; it’s a way to find freedom, clear my mind, and stay grounded in the midst of the demands of my academic life. It has been a vital part of my routine, helping me maintain focus and balance.

“Running makes me feel unstoppable, makes me strong. It makes me feel free.”

Deepika, who hails from the city of Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu in India, explained that when she was growing up she “always wanted to do some sporting activity but due to my visual impairment I didn’t have a lot of opportunities back home”.

With the Sport and Recreation Service, Deepika has also enjoyed trips to explore the British countryside, including to Seven Sisters in East Sussex.

In future Deepika, who has written a book published independently called The Billionaire Dollar Dream, hopes to become a full time writer.

Since joining the University in 2022, during which time she has been based in Hendon, Deepika has benefited greatly from the RNIB’s library of research books for visually impaired people, accessed through Middlesex. On the advice of the charity, Deepika has undergone replacement Luxturna gene therapy at Moorfield’s Eye Hospital, which over time will help to improve her vision in her left eye.

She said: “I have benefited so much from the RNIB bookshelf function, it is a huge repository which has a lot of books and audio books for people with visual impairment. It has helped me a great deal with my research getting access to all those books. Running the marathon is a way of giving back to the RNIB and also to realise a personal dream. I should really have gone from a half marathon [first] to a marathon but hey, if you’re going for it, go for it!

“It is daunting but this can be done, there’s no turning back now and it will be a great honour to run alongside Christine on the day.”

Prof Broughan, who will be guiding Deepika through the marathon race, said; “Deepika's story is undoubtedly remarkable, but also a great example of the transformational nature of education, even from the most unexpected sources. It also shows how one small act can change the trajectory of someone's life.

“Deepika's dark sense of humour makes sure she always has the last laugh. Her invitation to be her tethered guide at the London Marathon this year was underlined with the words 'be careful what you wish for'! But in all honesty, it is the greatest privilege to be part of her journey.”

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 Deepika for joining Team RNIB for the London Marathon.

“The funds raised will help the charity support the estimated two million people living with sight loss in the UK. Deepika is an avid user of RNIB’s reading services and her fundraising efforts will enable the charity to continue with expanding its collection of free books for people with sight loss. We wish her all the best of luck and we’ll be in the crowd cheering them on all the way.”

To sponsor Deepika visit this fundraising page.

Find out more about Creative Media and Writing at Middlesex University.