Blind runner takes on half marathon for charity

Alongside guide runner and friend Ian Walker, Jamie Ward is taking on a half marathon

"The last picture I saw was Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' in the National Gallery," said Jamie Ward, who lost his sight to a rare genetic disease.

The 61-year-old noticed a change in prescription during a routine eye check three years ago.

Six weeks later, he became blind in his left eye and was diagnosed with Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a disorder usually affecting males in their late teens and early 20s.

Now, Mr Ward, from East Molesey, Surrey, is preparing to run the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday to raise £10,000 for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Told he would also lose sight in his right eye within six months, Mr Ward created a vision bucket list.

He travelled with his husband of 20 years, Ray, to France; the Acropolis in Athens and many London art galleries.

Mr Ward, who works as Channel 4's head of talent and learning, said he can now "only make out shadows, outlines of shapes and not much else".

He said to deal with the trauma he spends his time walking and running with the help of his friend and guide runner, Ian Walker.

"It's helped me battle the mental anguish of losing my sight," he said. "It's a lifesaver."

Mr Walker said he wanted to give back to the RNIB who supported his father when he lost his sight after a car accident

Mr Ward said he hoped to "shine a light" on the capabilities of blind and partially sighted people.

"When meeting a blind person at work or doing sport, help break down barriers – don't put them up," he said.

During his initial period of adjustment, Mr Ward said performing general tasks was challenging but he was "determined to carry on working".

He credits his parents and older brother Mark, also affected by LHON, for instilling in him a strong work ethic.

Mr Ward and Mr Walker said they have done a lot of preparations for the half marathon, including adjusting to using a tether and learning to synchronise movements.

"I am nervous," Mr Ward admits. "But with the right support, you can get back to doing nearly everything you did before and more."

To showcase that optimism, Mr Ward aims to trek the Thames Path and the South West Coast Path in Dorset.

"The latter is full of cliffs so I will try not to fall off!" he said.

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