since I was a young child, my school was 5 kilometers away from the house, and I was often late, because I had chores to do like feeding my mother’s goats and fetching water, so I ran to school almost everyday. It was my dream from a very young age to become a champion; I represented my school in different competitions in the primary and secondary levels. ”The Kenyan athlete woke up on 30th April 1995,and he was totally blind at the age of 21,this tragedy turned his life around." When I became blind, I had the full support of my family and friends, I was comforted and supported, but still it was a hard thing to deal with. The love and support of those around me helped me to change my attitude, and this disability has widened my ideas and changed my perspective. I found the courage to turn the impossible into possible, I somehow found enough confidence and courage and continued with my dream of becoming a champion runner. I was not afraid of failure anymore, and I see much more clearly now but with my heart. Before I lost my sight for example I didn’t have the courage to run a marathon, after overcoming my disability I found the courage to do a lot of things I didn’t do before. ”Henry now runs mostly for charity, and to promote tolerance and understanding of disabilities:“ Running for charity gives me more of a motivation, I participate each and every weekend, and try to make a difference and spread hope and courage. People in general don’t understand the challenges of a disability, and they often don’t know how to deal with those who are disabled. I have achieved a lot for myself and would like to give back by supporting others and showing people that anything is possible. I am very happy to be part of the Standard Chartered vision of giving back to the community. I always feel that whatever I am doing is not enough; that I should do more and more to spread the message of hope and well being.”

Henry has set up the Richard Wanyoike foundation, which helps to support his community by providing help to poor families and orphanages. The foundation is also involved in big projects such as water procurement and environmental issues. Henry often gives motivational talks in schools and for different organizations. While in Beirut, Henry visited some schools and spoke to the children there about his experiences:“ I feel really good when I meet children and youths, and when I can show them that they can become champions. I always try to stress the importance of health and sports. The children at the Lebanese schools were very receptive; they listened with interest and asked some very good questions.” We asked Henry about his impression of Lebanon and he answered:“ It has been a very nice experience and I have enjoyed great hospitality. I have always dreamed of going all over the world not only to spread hope and inspiration, but also to get to know different people and culture and to see beyond the media portrayals of those countries.” Joseph Kibunja is Henry’s friend and running partner;“ It is and honor to be Henry’s running partner, I hadn’t dreamed of running professionally Henry changed my career and my life.” The two have been friends since childhood, and share many of the same dreams and aspirations when Henry became blind Joseph was one of his great supporters. We asked about their special bond, and how they get along with each other, and Henry was quick to point out that they were a true team,“ any medal or victory is not for one person but for two people, we share the glory as a team. Of course we have differences of opinion sometimes, but we discuss them and we are very open to one another, and Joseph is very patient so that also helps” he says almost jokingly.