Guide dog 'life-enhancing' for blind personal trainer

Mark Long wants to inspire others to make positive change

A personal trainer who lost nearly all his vision at 41 years old says receiving a guide dog has been "life-enhancing".

Mark Long, 43, from Gloucestershire, was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa aged 12, but his conditions worsened in 2021.

He has now adapted to sight loss and launched his own gym at home, in Stonehouse, so he can work alongside his guide dog, Mary.

"For me to be able to have that little bit of independence again is encouraging me to be a better person," he said.

Mr Long said he started experiencing issues such as blurry vision and the sun seeming "really bright" aged 40, and months later on optician told him his condition was becoming "very aggressive very quickly".

He said: "Initially [the diagnosis] was just horrific.

"I didn't know what to do. I was trying to keep everything together for my family and making sure they were positive."

The personal trainer said he had "never given up on anything" and his family knew he would " put up the best kind of fight".

"But ultimately, I can't win against it," he explained.

"It's only going to deteriorate. It's been a lot of soul searching, a lot of reflection, and trying to work out new ways of dealing with it.

"But it's a part of me, I've got to accept it. It's definitely not the end, it's the start of something new."

Mr Long was given Mary, his first guide dog, in 2023

After building his new gym, Mr Long told the BBC he wanted to inspire other people to making positive changes in their lives.

"I didn't have anyone I could go to, I didn't have anybody where it was 'I think they're really inspiring'," he said.

"People have done loads cooler stuff than me and are really achieving with worst situations.

"There are really bad days, but you can reflect on that and move forward."

Mr Long was partnered with Mary through the charity Guide Dogs.

He said she was "involved with every aspect" of his life.

"She gave me purpose again. I'd lost confidence, but she helped me regain my independence," he added.

"I can go out and about, and not hold back, because I've got Mary by my side."