A young boy named Albie Moore has captured the hearts of many, as he bravely faces a very rare eye condition diagnosis. Born in October 2023, Albie’s parents, Abbie and Lewis, from Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, noticed something was not right with his eyesight only a few weeks after his birth. Initially hoping it was a delay in his vision development, the couple’s concerns grew as they sought medical advice at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital. Their fears were confirmed when, at just four months old, little Albie was diagnosed with leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), a condition that affects only one in 80,000 people.
The news of Albie’s diagnosis was understandably a shock for the family. Abbie, 28, revealed that both she and Lewis were carriers of LCA, despite no prior family history of severe vision issues. Coming to terms with the diagnosis was a process that took time, as emotions ran high for the new parents. Abbie admitted that they spent a while isolated in their own world, navigating the challenges of their new reality with baby Albie. The initial trauma and unexpected turn their lives had taken were indeed overwhelming, as they grappled with the uncertainties that lay ahead.
Despite the initial hardships, Abbie and Lewis found strength and resilience in their son, Albie. They channelled their love and determination into a positive outlet by embracing the challenges head-on. The couple’s decision to run the London Marathon not only serves as a personal challenge but also as a beacon of hope for other families facing similar situations. With the unwavering support of the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC), Abbie and Lewis have found a renewed sense of purpose and opportunity in caring for Albie.
Lewis expressed his belief in Albie’s limitless potential and their commitment to providing him with the life they had envisioned. The RSBC has played a crucial role in assisting the family in navigating the complexities of Albie’s condition and opening doors to new possibilities. Through their fundraising efforts for the RSBC, Abbie and Lewis aim to provide a better future for Albie and support other families in similar circumstances. Their dedication to training for the marathon amidst their busy schedules reflects their unwavering determination and love for their son.
As they prepare for the 26.2-mile challenge ahead, both Abbie and Lewis acknowledge the support they have received from the RSBC and the impact it has had on their journey so far. The couple’s decision to undertake this marathon together symbolises their unity and shared commitment to Albie’s well-being. Despite the physical and emotional demands of their training regime, they remain focused on their goal, knowing that every step they take is a testament to their love for Albie and their dedication to raising awareness for individuals with visual impairments.
Looking ahead, Abbie and Lewis hope that their marathon endeavour will inspire and reassure other parents navigating similar challenges. Lewis emphasised the importance of solidarity and shared experiences in facing adversity, highlighting that no one should feel alone in their struggles. Their determination to raise awareness and support for the RSBC reflects their unwavering optimism and resilience in the face of adversity. By sharing their story and embarking on this challenging journey, Abbie and Lewis stand as a testament to the power of love, hope, and community in overcoming obstacles.