Blind veteran runs half marathon for charity

David Cranson, 61, from Deaf Hill, near Trimdon Colliery, completed his second Vitality Brighton Half Marathon on February 28 to thank the charity for its continued support.

His official time, with a sighted guide, was two hours 36 minutes and four seconds.

David stayed active until 13 years after leaving the Army, in 1988, when he was diagnosed with optical atrophy – a hereditary deterioration of the optic nerves.

He soon lost 90% of his sight and was registered blind.

David said: “The crowds were fantastic and shouted my name, and Blind Veterans UK, all along the route.

“I welled up with emotion and shed a tear a few times over the course.”