Derek's 'running blind' 10k challenge (From Somerset County Gazette)

Derek's 'running blind' 10k challenge

7:20am Thursday 11th September 2008

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A BISHOPS Lydeard man with a condition that makes his eyes close involuntarily is marking his retirement by running a10k race later this month.

Former roofing contractor Derek White, 65, of Hamber Lea, will be raising money for The Dystonia Society in the Taunton 10k on Sunday, September 28.

Derek, who has been training with Hash House Harriers, is confident of completing the course, even though he knows he will be “running blind” for part of the race.

“Getting into a steady pace is important to keep my heart rate even and looking ahead as I know I’ll have moments of running blind,” said Derek, who discovered he had dystonia after his eyes kept closing during a badminton match several years ago.

“I used to run into hedges and bramble, but I’m getting the hang of that now – as the 10k is all tarmac, I’ll be alright.”

When he was originally diagnosed with a rare form of dystonia called blepharospasm, Derek kept the condition at bay with regular injections into the muscles around his eyes.

He said his partner, Joy, and his running colleagues had helped him overcome many of the problems.

For more details on The Dystonia Society call 0845-4586211 or the helpline on 0845-4586322.

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