A father and son are preparing to run the London marathon in unison.
Nick Vaughan and 19-year-old son Chris will run together due to Chris’ visual impairment.
They will raise money and awareness of a genetic visual impairment called Retinisis Pigmentosa and its associated charity.
Nick, of Rastrick, said: “Chris has a condition called Bardet Beidle which is a genetic condition which effects him in many different ways, but by far the most significant is that it involves him having a genetic visual impairment called Retinisis Pigmentosa.
“This effects the retina and is a degenerative condition which could lead to complete loss of vision. Chris has now lost his peripheral vision and cannot see at night but his central vision is currently good.”
He described his son as a “determined guy” who has watched as Nick has completed two London marathons before, wanting to join in each time.
And this year Chris will make his marathon debut with his dad.
Nick said: “He was determined not to miss out this year using me as his guide.
“We have been training hard for the last six months and we completed our first race last weekend around the Silverstone F1 race circuit for a half marathon.
“We’re both looking forward to it, to be honest, if it wasn’t for him needing some assistance he’d be off in front of me.
“His vision is affected if it gets dull so we’ll run with a rope attached to us both and take it steady.”
Chris, a former Hipperholme Grammar School pupil and current Huddersfield New College student, has defied the odds.
He was first diagnosed aged seven and his parents, Nick and Jacqui, and older brother Alex, were told he could lose full sight by the age of 20.
Nick, added: “Advances in sciences have helped, he sees a consultant in Birmingham and they say he is progressing much better than it was initially thought.
“He’s bucked the trend really, he’s hoping to go into nursing and wants to get a degree.
“The more support we can give the charity the better they can help find a cure and treatment for the condition.”
They are running the marathon for the charity RP Fighting Blindness, and more details about it can be found at www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk
Chris also has a charity giving webpage - uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ChrisVaughan5 to raise funds for the cause.
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