Milton Keynes man whose eyesight began to deteriorate at 52 says his guide dog has given him a “new life”

Milton Keynes guide dog owner Sha took on the MCC (Martigny-Combe to Chamonix) on Monday 24 August - a 40km course that’s part of the prestigious UTMB trail - to help inspire people to keep active and healthy, even during difficult times.

Sha represented the UK in Team Adaptive, something he never thought would be possible before he lost his sight a few years ago.

Sha said: “Up until I began losing my vision, I was an unhealthy person. I wasn’t running, walking, I wasn’t going to the gym - I was doing nothing.”

But running opened up a whole new world for Sha. He got into trail running and soon got a place in the Arc of Attrition, a challenging trail event along the coast of Cornwall. Sha was the only disabled athlete to take part. Earlier this year, he ran the London Marathon and will also be taking on an 88-mile run in September.

Sha’s eyesight began to deteriorate a few years ago when he was 52 - having a huge impact on his and his family’s lives. Tests found he had macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Sha was struggling to get out on his own but he then discovered running.

He said: “I’d never really been a runner, even in school. Initially, I really struggled with it. But it became easier, and it helped to quell the dark thoughts in my head. I quickly realised it was very good for me, and developed a deep passion for it.”

Sha was also partnered with guide dog Moby, a beautiful yellow Labrador, earlier this year and says his life has changed for the better.

Sha said: “I have a new life with Moby. Things that were challenging are no longer a challenge. He’s given me that belief in my own life and abilities.”

Sha now shares how Moby and running have transformed his life and he is passionate about raising awareness of men’s mental health.

He said: “I want to be an example of what is possible.”

Guide Dogs is encouraging people to take part in Crowns for Causes - a campaign with Postcode Lottery and Strava where people can take part in fitness challenges on Strava to unlock vital funding for charities including Guide Dogs.