A registered blind man from Knaresborough is set to take on the London Marathon next year in aid of a charity for the visually impaired.
Calum McCready suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) - a rare disease that affects the retina - and has seen his sight deteriorate over time.
He last ran a marathon in 2017 and has vowed to fundraise for Look UK in a bid to raise awareness and funds for a cause that is close to his heart.
Calum will be taking on the 26.2-mile route in April, alongside his guide runner Doug.
Calum said:
“Training for and completing the marathon will be a huge challenge for me, particularly training through the winter, as I am night blind, and have limited useful vision during the day.
“I must think carefully about the routes I use, other ways I can train such as in the gym and of course running with my amazing guide runner, Doug.
“Doug will keep me safe on longer training runs and on the day, by helping me to avoid obstacles and to find the water stations and fuel stops on the big day."
He currently volunteers for Look UK, supporting young visually impaired people in the area.
Speaking about the charity, Calum said:
“Look UK is a remarkable charity dedicated to empowering visually impaired young people and their families to thrive.
“As someone who is registered blind, I understand the challenges and obstacles faced daily by people with a visual impairment.
“Look UK has been a beacon of support, providing essential services, mentoring programs, and a vibrant community that fosters independence and confidence.”
He added:
“I am fuelled by the determination to create a brighter future for visually impaired young people.
“With all of our support, Look UK can continue to support visually impaired young people, all over the country, to thrive.”
Calum is aiming to raise £2,500 for Look UK.
To find out more about Calum’s challenge and to support his campaign, find his JustGiving page here.
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