Milton Keynes man left blind from genetic eye condition on “top of the world” after running 100k ultramarathon

A Milton Keynes grandad who became blind from a genetic eye condition now runs 100km ultramarathons.

Sha Khan, now 55, was in court working in child protection services when he suddenly couldn't read his papers. He thought it was stress, but went to A&E at Jersey General Hospital where eye tests confirmed he had lost some of his eyesight. Within two weeks, the dad-of-three had lost 90% of his vision.

He was diagnosed with a rare form of a genetic eye condition, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), at Guys and St Thomas Hospital, London, in July 2021. Sha can only see vague shapes and shadows, and everything is blurry.

The grandad-of-two has since become a long-distance runner, completing the London Marathon in 2024, 2025, and 2026. He weighed 18 stone 12 pounds when he took up running and has now slimmed down to 13st seven pounds.

On Sunday 9 May, Sha completed the Chiltern Hills 100K ultra marathon, and believes he became the first blind and BAME athlete in the UK to complete a 100K race - finishing in 17 hours.

Sha, a social worker, said: "I was so emotional at the finish, I burst out crying. It was epic and I was on top of the world. This is literally a dream come true. Winning the lottery would feel very small compared to this. I felt truly incredible, and so strong. I just love running. I run races for me, not to win or anything, just because it makes me feel free."

Sha, who lives with his wife Rae, 51, thought his vision looked a bit odd when he woke on 8 March 2021 but put it down to a late night working. RP, which causes loss of vision because cells in the retina, at the back of the eye, degrade, usually comes on in teens or 20s.

Sha said: "It was huge, and frightening. I had no idea I had this eye condition. Overnight I went from a normal life to suddenly not being able to see. It was scary. I just thought it's only my eyes that have changed, everything else is the same. But it was very hard, and it did get me down."

Sha learned to get around using a white cane, and now has his guide dog, Moby. With support from Access to Work he kept doing his job.

He said: "I am so glad I was supported to keep working. People with disabilities just need the right support."

Sha met a woman, who is also blind, in July 2022, and she told him to take up running to cheer himself up.

He said: "I had only just learned how to get about on my own walking, but I thought 'why not give it a try’.”

A local running group found people to guide Sha, and he started Couch to 5K.

He said: "Honestly I did no sport at all before this. I thought I would die, it was so hard. All these people were willing to help me, it was so overwhelming. I thought I'll just take all these offers of help and keep going."

Hooked, he ran his first half marathon in July 2023 and now he runs a marathon in four hours and 45 minutes. Sha also swims and does tandem-bike riding - all leading to his five stone four pounds weight loss.

He said: "I just found I really enjoyed running. I felt great. It was good for my mind and my body, and I love the community I run with. I've met the most amazing people."

Sha runs with a 'tether' that he and his guide runner have around their wrists, and one that goes round Sha's waist if it's narrow and his guide needs to go in front of him. He trains on a treadmill when his guides aren't free.

Sha covers up to 80km over his five runs a week, and does seven hours weekly stretching, yoga and Pilates.

He said: "I love trail running. I love the ups and downs, the feel of the ground under my feet and the breeze, the sound of the birds and the smell of the trees and fields. I have to keep my ankles very strong, because no matter how much information my guides give me, there'll always be something to trip over."

Sha signed up for the Chiltern Hills run in December 2025.

Sha, who shared this story via Talk to the Press, said: "I still can't believe I've done it. It feels absolutely incredible to be the first blind and BAME person in the UK to do this. My guide runners were incredible, they have helped me to achieve this dream. Everybody has been so supportive."

Sha was supported by Into Ultra, which helps runners compete by finding free or reduced kit or race fees. Runaway Racing, which organises the Chiltern ultra marathon gave Sha and two guide runners free entry, usually £450, and assistance at aid stations.