A VISUALLY impaired York man who uses a wheelchair is set to take on a triathlon to thank a charity for helping him.

Ian Wood, 40, of Acomb, will take part in the Superhero Triathlon in Windsor on Saturday, along with his sighted friend Sara Fleming.

As part of the event, Ian will swim 400 metres, cycle 10 kilometres and push his wheelchair for 2.5 kilometres with Sara’s help. He said: “This is going to be a really big challenge, but I’m excited.”

Ian has been visually impaired since he was five years old and was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease in 2002, which causes him fatigue and muscle weakness. In 2008 he began using a wheelchair due to this condition.

Ian said: “Because I have mitochondrial disease, if I did an hour on the computer I would have to have a rest. Or if I was out and about in my wheelchair, after an hour I could be fairly tired.”

He is taking part in the Superhero Triathlon to raise funds for Remap, which custom makes equipment for disabled people. A volunteer for the charity built a RooVision system for Ian, which has a VR screen and a camera with a powerful zoom attached to a helmet. This improves his vision and he uses it to watch Liverpool Football Club play at Anfield.

Ian has since joined the charity as a fundraiser, and hopes to raise at least £2,000 for them by taking part in the triathlon.

He said: “I am doing this triathlon to say thank you to Remap but I will continue to fundraise for them once this challenge is over.”

Last year, Ian did a wingwalk on a light aircraft for charity. He has also taken on three charity skydives in the past and raised money for good causes through other efforts.

Earlier this year he was nominated for an Active Award. Ian enjoys taking part in wheelchair skiing, canoeing and athletics. To support Ian’s efforts this Saturday, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shtw4remap You can also donate £5 by texting shcr78 to 70070.