Former Red Arrow pilot walks 1,000 miles to raise awareness of glaucoma
Martin Higgs, known as Higgy, is walking from Land's End to John O'Groats
A former Red Arrow pilot has taken on the challenge of walking 1,000 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise awareness of glaucoma.
Martin Higgs is joining 23 other people as part of the "Run Britannia" scheme which has taken him from the far south of the UK to the far north.
Higgs, better known as Higgy, was diagnosed with glaucoma at the age of just 32 following a routine eye check.
Glaucoma is a condition that slowly damages the connection between the optic nerve and the eye, which - if left untreated - can lead to total loss of sight.
Speaking to us, Martin explained how important it is to get checked, as he tries to highlight the importance of being aware of eye conditions.
"I had no symptoms at all and then went for a routine eye check and discovered I had glaucoma," he explained.
"Ever since, I've been looked after brilliantly to make sure that my eyesight remains undamaged, so please do get regular eye tests - even if you have 20/20 vision, go and get an eye health check."
Higgy's journey has seen him go through parts of the country he had never seen before - including Lancashire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire and Cumbria.
He admitted that when he crossed the border into Scotland, it was a particularly poignant moment for him.
"Crossing into Scotland was quite emotional, because we had a piper greet us at Gretna Green and that got quite emotional after 22 days on the road and trails.
"I'm seeing bits of the country that I never have before and I'm so lucky to be doing it."
Higgy's challenge will see him finish his mission in early July, with over a week of long-distance walking expected over the last stretch.
He added that his goal is to help others donate to the charities that fund vital research into glaucoma treatment and urged others to get involved in local events.