Achilles charity blind Kiwi runner Tamati Pearse & run guide Rachel Grunwell

Auckland blind runner Tamati Pearse & his run guide Rachel Grunwell are fundraising for flight costs to participate in the New York Marathon in Nov, 2018.

Here they will also connect with Achilles charity members from throughout the globe as NY is the home of the Achilles charity.

Running helps Tamati learn and refine achieving goals. This has helped him to understand the discipline required for success in work and everyday life. Being part of the Achilles charity helps him be part of a supportive community that helps his personal growth.

He has applied the same discipline required with run training to his every day life which has seen him enter the work force with success. He starts his new job at Auckland Transport in Nov.

Going to the NY Marathon has importance around connecting with hundreds of disabled athletes globally. In NZ there are only a handful of blind runners, for example. Rachel is an Achilles charity ambassador and run guide who is there to help Tamati through the race, keep him safe and talking through everything she sees so he can fully soak up the experience. Only the athlete's marathon achievement is clocked and registered; Rachel's marathon time is not counted or registered.

This is Tamati's 5th marathon. He keeps on inspiring others with disabilities to not let any barrier hold them back from achieving goals.

Rachel has supported Tamati through three marathons already as well as helped several disabled athletes over the years to achieve run achievements.