Martin’s story

Flying at seven miles per minute at low level is a privilege, one that hinges on the gift of sight.

This challenge is not just about running; it’s about recognising and making more people aware of the incredible support network that surrounds people with glaucoma.

At the age of 21, fuelled by dreams of soaring through the skies in high-speed jet aircraft, I eagerly joined the Royal Air Force. Little did I anticipate that the story of my aviation career would intertwine with an unexpected chapter involving glaucoma.

After nine incredible years in the RAF, including jet instructing at RAF Valley and flying the Tornado F3 at RAF Leuchars, a routine eye check at my local optician revealed elevated eye pressures, a precursor to a glaucoma diagnosis.

Fear gripped me at the possibility of losing my flying job, being dismissed from the RAF, or worse, going blind. I was overwhelmed with the thought that my life was about to change, and I didn’t get a vote. Glaucoma, often called the silent thief of sight because it can present with no noticeable symptoms, had stealthily entered my life. The diagnosis came as a shock, but I was astounded by how quickly the glaucoma support network kicked into life.

I went to my RAF GP, who then referred me to the University Eye Hospital in Dundee. As a military pilot, I was fortunate to have access to an RAF ophthalmologist working in the Birmingham NHS system. The healthcare professionals quickly addressed my fears by explaining glaucoma and providing a logical plan to manage the pressures. I’ll always remember what the RAF ophthalmologist said when we first met, “Don’t worry, I’ve read your notes; we’re going to keep you flying.” Their words were like dynamite, shattering my initial fears.

After the initial diagnosis, my life with glaucoma involved routine pressure checks, painless tests, and a commitment to administering eye drops twice a day. In my mind, eye drops meant ‘stay flying and don’t lose precious sight.’ I was a bit clumsy with them at first, drops streamed down one of my cheeks, but with practice, it just became part of my routine. The diagnosis didn’t ground me; instead, it became a part of my life. Sometimes, I think about the fact that without that trip to the optician, I might have lost sight to the disease without knowing it and only realised that my sight had changed when the disease was advancing. At the time, I wasn’t aware that my family history put me at an increased risk and so I felt very lucky.

More luck came the following year because I was selected to be a pilot on the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows. With a fantastic NHS and RAF medical team helping me and managing my condition, I continued flying fast jets for another 14 years, eight of which were on the Red Arrows. Glaucoma is just part of my life and I’ve never felt like it has held me back. Flying at seven miles per minute at low level is a privilege, one that hinges on the gift of sight. My glaucoma has heightened my appreciation for everyday things – running, driving, walking to the shops, or simply watching a movie with my wife. Sight is not just crucial for my career; it’s the key to many of the things I love in life.

More recently, rising pressures led to two medical procedures, reinforcing my appreciation for the medical team at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre (BMEC) and the support offered by organisations such as Glaucoma UK. On reflection, I wondered how I could give something back, particularly to support those out there who might have undiagnosed glaucoma. I contacted Glaucoma UK, and we hatched a plan to raise awareness, and hopefully some funding, through a 1,000-mile run from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

I plan to undertake this 35-day major test of endurance with Run Britannia® where I will be covering about 37 miles per day, to promote physical and mental fitness in the RAF and support Glaucoma UK’s cause. This challenge is not just about running; it’s about recognising and making more people aware of the incredible support network that surrounds people with glaucoma.

To those at risk of glaucoma who aren’t regularly getting the health of their eyes checked, I say, the tests are painless and could prevent sight loss. Whatever the outcome, a fantastic support network awaits you. When in doubt, ask yourself, “What’s stopping me?” That nudge might just be the key to safeguarding your vision.

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