Trainee doctor’s triathlon challenge to save sight

“Junior doctor Robbie Nutt, who plans to specialise in treating preventable eye conditions, is tackling the Weymouth Iron Distance Triathlon on September 13 to help CBM prevent blindness in the world’s poorest communities.

“80% of blindness is avoidable so, in developing countries particularly, millions of people are losing their sight to conditions that are preventable or easily treated.” explains Robbie, “As an ophthalmologist, I hope to be able to change lives by treating eye conditions, and by doing this triathlon in support of CBM I will be preventing blindness and supporting hundreds of people who have lost their sight.””

“I know it will be a challenge that’ll stretch me, test my commitment and suit my ambitious tendencies. But it’s more about the cause” Robbie said.

Robbie originally studied physiology at Bristol University and after graduating and spending a year working for a church in Clifton, he returned to study medicine in the city. He has just finished a year working in Taunton as a junior Doctor.

His real interest is ophthalmology – treating eye conditions that can lead to blindness – and he hopes one day to use the skills he is learning, abroad to make a dent in the burden of reversible blindness.

While Robbie has always been sporty and played badminton for Bristol University, he has never attempted anything as taxing as a triathlon before. “I am part of Emmanuel Bristol Church, a community committed to serving Bristol and beyond out of love for what Jesus has done; raising money for CBM fits in with that call to transform the lives of others.”

The triathlon starts in Weymouth Bay for a 3.8km swim followed by a 180km bike ride and finally a 42km run. Robbie is aiming to raise a target of £1,250. If you would like to support Robbie in his monumental challenge visit his justgiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/Robbie-Nutt (open link in new tab) or you can also contact Jacqueline Atkinson at CBM UK on 01223484700 or jacquelinea@cbmuk.org.uk.”