16
Dec 2024
Blind Knaresborough man to run London Marathon
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A Knaresborough man who is registered blind is set to take on London Marathon next year.
Calum McCready, 38, was born with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative condition that impacts the retina and slowly impairs vision.
Mr McCready was diagnosed with the condition when he was 17. During his early 20s he was registered partially-sighted and was registered blind in 2018.
His vision is still deteriorating, he said.
A keen runner, Mr McCready told the Stray Ferret the London Marathon has always been on his bucket-list. He has previously completed two marathons and several half-marathons.
He will be running the 26.2-mile race alongside his guide runner, Doug, to raise awareness of the condition and funds for Look UK.
Look UK is a charity that supports visually impaired young people, their carers and their families.
Mr McCready said:
As someone who is visually impaired myself, I understand the enormous challenges faced by individuals navigating a world not always designed with accessibility in mind.
Look UK plays a vital role in empowering visually impaired young people by providing a mentoring service, practical guidance for families and opportunities for young people to connect and thrive.
I volunteer as a mentor for Look UK, so I have first-hand experience of the amazing work the charity does.
Mr McCready told the Stray he was inspired by Chris McCausland on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The blind comedian, who this year lifted the glitterball trophy with partner Dianne Buswell, also has retinitis pigmentosa and started losing his sight in his 20s.
McCausland was the first blind contestant to compete in Strictly. Judge Anton du Beke described him as the “most extraordinary” contestant the show has ever seen.
Mr McCready said his Chris’ win put a spotlight on the talents and achievements of visually impaired people.
Winners Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell. Credit: Dianne Buswell Instagram
He told the Stray Ferret he has limited daylight vision, and cannot see at all at night.
He added:
I can make out facial features, but I can't see detail on people's faces.
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.
I have always loved a challenge, though.
Mr McCready and guide runner Doug have taken part in the Great North Run, local park runs and Knaresborough's Crag Rat Run as part of his training.
When asked what advice he would give to someone with an impairment who is looking to take on a similar challenge, he said:
Just reach out and talk to people. There is a huge network of people who will support you. Get good advice and find a good guide runner.
You could also reach out to other visually impaired runners.
The hardest bit is taking that step and say, 'I'll give it a go'. You just need to be open.
Mr McCready hopes to raise at least £2,500 for Look UK, and said all donations will make a huge difference to the lives of those who rely on the charity’s services.
The London Marathon will take place on April 27, 2025.
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