Visually impaired runner takes on London Marathon

Calum McCready was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa when he was 17

A visually impaired runner from North Yorkshire is preparing to take on the London Marathon in April to raise money for charity.

Calum McCready, 38, from Knaresborough, was diagnosed with the degenerative eye condition retinitis pigmentosa when he was 17.

Now registered blind, he will be taking on the 26.2-mile (42km) challenge with his guide runner to raise money for the Look UK charity.

"The sheer number of people that do it will present its own challenges but the atmosphere is going to be amazing," Mr McCready said.

More than 56,000 runners are expected to complete the course around the capital on 27 April.

"During the day I have 20-30% useable sight but I am night blind, so at night I use a long cane to get around," Mr McCready said.

"In the daylight I can manage reasonably well somewhere familiar, but when I'm running I am moving a lot faster so it makes it more difficult."

Calum and guide runner Doug Luettke have been training together for the 27 April event

He continued: "I can see people when they get reasonably close, but from a distance I can't see people at all - that's why having a guide runner really helps."

Look UK helps visually impaired young people by providing mentoring services and practical guidance for families.

Describing his role, guide runner Doug Luettke said: "For me, the biggest thing is that the runner is putting their trust in you.

"You're just narrating what's around you - describing ground conditions, if you're going from tarmac to grass, you let your partner know if there are any puddles or low branches for example."

Mr McCready said: "When I'm running I feel really satisfied with the achievement of doing it.

"It feels really good, the endorphin hit from completing something that is quite hard going."

He added: "After this I am going to keep running, just shorter distances!"

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.