Blind teen to top event age record

AZEEM Amir (17) is set to become the world's youngest blind tough mudder competitor

A 17-YEAR-OLD is set to become the world's youngest blind Tough Mudder competitor.

Azeem Amir hopes to top £3,000 in his fundraising efforts for the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

He will undertake the challenging 12-mile obstacle race for Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Charity on September 10 to "give something back".

The teenager, who has been training in Oldham, said: "I'm attempting to complete the greatest challenge of my life for those who have allowed me to see something instead of nothing.

Endurance

"We chose the eye hospital because they have cared for me for 17 years and I want to give something back to them.

"I'm a bit nervous but really excited.

"I ran 10k in the Great Manchester Run back in May, but this is a bit of a step up.

"I've been doing a lot of body work exercise because it is all to do with weights, pull-ups and endurance training.

"There will be lots of walls that we have to jump over, rope climbs and crawling through mud under barbed wire, so all this training will pay off.

"I think it is going to be such an achievement but then I'll have to find something else even more challenging.

"My family are sharing in it all and donating quite a lot of money.

"We are trying to get the word out there."

The trust hopes to buy specialised equipment that allows the retina of the eye to be seen in 10 times more detail, Azeem said.

With support from friends and family, the Rochdale Sixth Form College student has raised £500 for his cause in the first three days of fundraising, with donations coming from overseas.

Azeem, a keen footballer who competes in the National Blind Football League, will be guided through the competition by his former PE teacher, Sam Dainty.

To keep Azeem on the right path, the pair will be linked using a skipping rope and use verbal communication throughout the challenge.

Mr Dainty of Matthew Moss High School, who has been in training with Azeem at Crossfit, Derker, said: "Alongside the Crossfit, we are also doing guided running sessions to improve our endurance and communication, which is vital as I am Azeem's eyes throughout the event.

"The challenge Toughmudder brings is like no other I have experienced and I believe Azeem will get a lot out of completing the event.

"It will be a great achievement to be the youngest blind finisher of Toughmudder in the world.

"He is a true inspiration.

"The charity Azeem has chosen is one close to his heart and he feels he should give something back to those who have helped him with his visual impairment.

"We hope to raise lots of money for this worthy cause."

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/AzeemsToughMudder or text 'AZTM99' to '70070' plus £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10.