Runner with sudden sight loss won't be beaten

Ryan Malbon started to lose his eyesight in 2023

A blind runner has said he will not let a rare genetic disease hold him back, despite it causing him sudden sight loss.

Ryan Malbon from Stoke-on-Trent has just completed the London Marathon for charity with the aid of a guide runner, despite having a chest infection, a groin injury and having to find new running kit at the last minute.

"There were moments throughout the race where I got pretty emotional," he said, and from mile fifteen onwards "every step was agony."

Mr Malbon has Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) and began to go blind aged 32 in 2023, just five days after his wedding.

Mr Malbon was matched with guide runner Mike Oliver via the Richard Whitehead Foundation, which helps people with disabilities access sports.

"Losing your sight is probably one of the most difficult things you can go through, and I wouldn't have been able to do the race without my guide runner," he said.

Mike Oliver was his guide, and was inspired by how determined Mr Malbon was.

"For someone to lose their sight at such a young age it must be devastating for him.. but it hasn't stopped him taking on these challenges."

After forgetting his kit, Mr Malbon had to buy new trainers the night before the marathon, and Mr Oliver provided the t-shirt and shorts.

"Without exaggerating too much, every step was really painful," said Mr Malbon.

His mother Tracy Collins said she thinks he is "amazing," and is delighted with what he has achieved.

"When this (his sight loss) first happened, I was so worried about his mental health, how he would take it, but I'm so proud."

Mr Malbon has raised more than £2,600 for the The Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB).