A MAN who has blind since the age of nine is running the Yorkshire Marathon on Sunday to raise vital funds for three causes very close to his heart.

Andy Wilson, who is director of RolltheRock, a charity which works with young people, had to have both his eyes removed at the age of nine after losing his sight due to retinoblastoma, a childhood cancer that affects the retina.

He is running the 26.2 mile marathon in and around York with the support of a guide, Darren McClintock, who has made it possible for Andy to take on the challenge.

Along with RolltheRock, Andy is also raising money in gratitude to Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity, for both the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre and the Dermatology Unit.

Andy, from Harrogate, was diagnosed last year with two lots of melanoma and had to undergo two intensive operations, and is facing a further operation following the marathon.

To sponsor Andy and Darren go to: www.mydonate.bt.com/events/yorkmarathon