On Sunday 27th October, local runner Dorinda Xavier took part in the ten mile Great South Run (GSR) in Portsmouth to raise money for Orbis, a charity committed to saving sight in less developed countries.

The weekend of the GSR coincided with the worst weather in Britain this year with gale force winds and a storm brewing. Dorinda said that the run itself was fun, well organised by the GSR team, had friendly competitors taking part and lots of support from the local people and bands. The picturesque route had lovely views of the Portsmouth dockyard, Spinnaker tower, university buildings and the coast.

Dorinda said: "I was happy running and heading for a personal best but everything changed when we hit the eight mile mark. For the last two miles the conditions changed to something sinister, with the gale force wins due to hit the country hitting us first and it became near impossible to run!

"I vaguely remember a few people saying supportive things to me, but the wind was so loud it was difficult to hear, let alone run! I think it may have been the GSR team handing out gummy bears for the final mile that provided that last bit of drive we desperately needed, before I finished the run."

Dorinda read later that the weather had been the worst in the history of the run. However, both Dorinda and her fiancé have already signed up to take part in the same run next year.

Dorinda has raised £470 for Orbis so far. To make a donation please visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KDXruns4eyes