Help bring marathon dreams to life for blind runner Shayne

Our friend and fellow Achilles member Shayne has the opportunity to compete in the New York City Marathon in November 2021. Shayne is a blind runner and in order to achieve this dream, he needs to run with a guide, Aidan. Achilles International are covering Shayne's airfare, and the amazing Hotel Pennsylvania is supplying a room. The goal of this campaign is to raise money to cover any shortfalls, to ensure Shayne’s team can travel with him and share this once in a lifetime experience.

Shayne has Retinitis Pigmentosa, an incurable degenerative retinal disease, a condition he was born with and will eventually rob him of his sight entirely. Shayne has never seen the stars but has never stopped him trying to reach them in his pursuits to live a life without barriers. It is important to Shayne that others see that having a disability is no reason to hold back in life and that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.

Shayne is a Paralympian, representing Australia in 2000 in Discus and Shot Put, winning multiple medals at the National Paracycling Championships in Road and Time Trial, completed several half marathons and multiple half-Ironman Triathlons, but this is his chance to tick the marathon off his wish list. Not just any marathon either - the renowned New York City Marathon.
Shayne has a great support crew around him, including his 3 Amigos (His wife and 2 daughters!) and Guide Dog Bree who provides freedom and independence on a daily basis.

Shayne has grown up with incredible role models. He has always been supported by his family, especially his Uncle Ched Towns, and Uncle JT, who both have Retinitis Pigmentosa. Both were adventurers, athletes and pioneers amongst the vision-impaired community.

It was because of the influence and inspiration from his uncles, and his family’s unwavering belief that Shayne could do anything he set his mind to, that has led Shayne to constantly push himself and the boundaries of what is possible. Shayne is acutely aware that not everyone has such role models in their life or this kind of support and it is this that drives him to inspire others. As well as his sporting achievements, Shayne is involved in career mentoring as well as encouraging vision impaired persons in Tandem cycling. Shayne’s hope is that through completing the New York City Marathon, he can reach and inspire even more individuals and groups to chase their dreams, no matter how big – and live a fulfilled life.

We thank you for helping Shayne make this dream come true.