A Chertsey father is preparing to take on three marathons in three weeks to raise money for a charity that has played a life-changing role in his son’s journey.

Anthony Roake will begin his challenge at the Brighton Marathon on April 12, followed by Newport on April 19, before completing the London Marathon on April 26.

The fundraiser supports VICTA, a national charity for blind and partially sighted children and young adults. For his son Lee, the cause is deeply personal.

Lee, who has an ultra-rare genetic condition called WAGR Syndrome, is registered blind and has faced multiple challenges growing up.

He said: “VICTA has helped me and my family to navigate life. It has really helped my confidence and independence.

“I also attended residential trips as a teenager to grow my independence away from my parents and got to attend one 18+ international trip in Rome with ICC to meet other visually impaired people from different countries,” he said.

More recently, Lee has become a VICTA ChangeMaker, helping to support and inspire younger people with sight loss.

Anthony, who has previously completed marathons in London and Brighton, as well as half marathons, has taken on the triple challenge as his toughest yet. As a well-known member of the Woking community, he said: “As most of you are aware, I have a son called Lee who has an ultra-rare condition called WAGR Syndrome and is registered blind.”

Lee Roake presenting the Feel Good Show on Surrey Hills Community Radio, part of the family’s fundraising story for VICTA – credit Lee Roake.
Lee Roake presenting the Feel Good Show on Surrey Hills Community Radio, part of the family’s fundraising story for VICTA – credit Lee Roake. (Lee Roake.)

He said: “I try to raise money each year for a charity and this year I have chosen VICTA. They help to change the lives of children and young adults with sight loss.”

Training has not been easy, with Lee explaining: “My dad has been very hard at training and he has been finding some of the long runs challenging.”

Despite this, Anthony is determined to complete all three races, with Newport expected to be the most difficult as it falls between the other two.

Lee said: “I think he is brave for taking on this challenge. It means a lot to give back as VICTA support so many people like me.”

The local community has shown lots of interest in the challenge. Surrey Hills Community Radio has been amazing at spreading the word, creating a page on its website and an advert that is played across its shows.

VICTA has also worked with Surrey Hills Community Radio over the past year, with the VICTA ChangeMakers producing a one-off show that aired in November 2025, which later led to the launch of a new podcast, See It Our Way: The VICTA Podcast.

Anthony is the producer of the station’s Feel Good Show, which is presented by Lee, meaning he works behind the scenes to organise and manage the programme, while Lee hosts and presents the show on air.

Lee added: “It would really push my dad over the finish line to reach his target.”

Anthony has set a fundraising goal of £3,000, with money raised helping VICTA continue its work supporting young people with sight loss and their families across the UK.