A Derry woman, registered blind since birth, has recently completed a five kilometre road race in aid of cancer research.
More remarkable is the fact that careers service employee, Gioconde Quigley has actually run the Coleraine race two consecutive years and still cycles on a regular basis.
“Well it’s like that line in ‘The Shawshank Redemption’,” she told the ‘Jour
nal’. “You either get busy living or get busy dying.
”I have been told that the partial sight I have left in my right eye will fade soon, so I decided anything I want to do has to be done now. I think it is important to get out of your comfort zone every so often.”
Two years ago Gioconde began light training, this led to a dramatic six stone weight loss: “That is thanks largely to Claire Danton of Raspberry Hill weight loss clinic, who is a great inspiration.”
Gioconde then stepped up the training programme with the help of Glenda Fleming.
“Last year it was a personal goal finishing the race but this year I wanted to raise money for the Choose Life charity. It was a bigger challenge this year as last year I ran with Glenda who has been fantastic.
New techniques
She picked up new techniques and little ideas, such as wearing bright trainers when running in front of me. This year my sister Janice Tracey trained and ran with me.
“I was just glad to get around the course safely the most important aspect on a personal point of view was ensuring I ran all the way.”
Asked did she feel running and cycling while visually impaired was dangerous Mrs. Quigley said: “I suppose it is risky for others using the Foyle walkway,” she laughed before adding, “That’s not how I see it, otherwise you would never leave the house, you have to live life.”
Mrs. Quigley praised her family particularly her sisters Janine, Paula and Joanne and her son James and husband Joe, “They have all been more than supportive.”
So what is the next adventure for Gioconde?
“Well I would love to try that firewalking or a parachute jump, I’m considering both of those!”
