A mother from Basildon is taking on the London Marathon blindfolded to raise money for a charity which supports children like her blind daughter.
Hayley Steinbach, 31, is set to tackle the already challenging running event without being able to see anything, with the aim of putting herself in seven-year-old daughter Elsie’s shoes.
Running alongside her dad Lee Cooper, 56, who will be doing a chunk of the blindfolded miles, Hayley said her daughter has inspired latest fundraising feat.
“We both want to experience it in the same way that Elsie would,” she said.
“She was born blind - we found out when she was four months old.
“I though her life was over. I had never met a blind person before, and I was scared of what was to come.”
Hayley, a skincare specialist with two other young children, said her and husband Zak started Elsie’s Eye Army to document her journey and have spent the past seven years raising money and awareness for blind and partially sighted children.
In October, the couple raised an incredible £1,500 by taking someone for a five kilometre walk or run every single day of the month, and they have previously done the London Marathon to support children’s charity VICTA.
She said Elsie, who was diagnosed with optic nerve hypoplasia, thrives on the buzz of the event in the capital.
“She loves being the centre of attention. We have got songs that we sing about her,” said Hayley. “She loves the marathon day and being with other blind children, they tend to be more calm and chatty which really suits her.”
Hayley said the priority is raising awareness for the charity and has built up a strong following of her journey including more than 24,000 followers on TikTok, which she said is important in supporting children and their families.
“I just know it helps so many families reach out and get support,” she said.
Deep into an intense training regime which involves at least three runs per week, Hayley said she is looking forward to doing the marathon with her dad.
“He is 56 and by no means a runner, but we’re really looking forward to doing it together,” she said.
You can find out more about their journey and donate at 2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/hayley-steinbach.
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