Dad with sight loss is turning 'adversity into action'

A “100 per cent motivated”dad who has battled challenges throughout his life due to his sight loss is on a mission to break down barriers for others and help to boost their mental and physical and well-being.

Mohammed Riaz Sabir (55) is affected by retinitis – a condition he has had since birth but was actually diagnosed with in 2011.

The dad of four grown-up children who is registered blind said: “I have faced a number of challenges due to my health issues, but I wanted to turn that adversity into a positive.

“A lot of people enjoy running and do Parkruns and 10ks and take that for granted.

“I just wanted to enjoy running again – to have a guide with me so I can enjoy all that fresh air, the social aspect and the freedom of being able to run safely.

“I want to be the first person in Rotherham to set up guided running – it could just be for an hour or two a week – but if someone would be prepared to help me do that by volunteering their time so I can run with a guide, I would relish that opportunity.

“I am a man of action - I like to help myself and others.

“I have an abundance of motivation and drive and put 100 per cent into everything I do and so, with the help my personal assistant Wendy, I contacted Gary Shaughnessy – Chairman of England Athletics – and was thrilled when he came to visit and run with me at Herringthorpe Stadium.”

Paul Moseley, England Athletics coach education programme manager, said: “We wanted to highlight the opportunities for visually impaired athletes and runners to find a guide to support them running and competing, and also to let people know of the Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running workshop that we have developed in partnership with British Blind Sport - aimed at training up people to become licensed guide runners, and enabling leaders, coaches and volunteers to attract and support more blind and partially sighted people in athletics and running.

“It was great to be able to access the track at Rotherham which is a safe, welcoming environment to run, jump and throw.

“Being able to identify that visually impaired people still find it difficult to get access to physical activity is very important, but also important is being able to get the message out to, not only those individuals with sight loss, but to the many clubs, and running groups that support is available.

“That support exists through England Athletics, British Blind Sport and many other organisations.

“Our hope is that any individual who wishes to get involved in running and athletics (at any level) can do so, and can enjoy the benefits of being physically active, as well as all the social and psychological benefits of running, and running with others, can bring.”