Man with tunnel vision to raise funds by climb to Everest

Published on Wednesday 22 April 2009 09:46

A MAN who is registered blind is set to tackle some of the world's toughest terrain to help fight the disease which has turned his life upside down.

Steven Cunningham was diagnosed with an eye condition often referred to as "tunnel vision" four years ago.

And even though it forced him to give up work and "completely destroyed" his confidence, the man from the village of Newton, near South Queensferry, has vowed to climb to the base camp of Mount Everest to raise vital funds for the charity which supports retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

His target is to amass 4500 by September in order to qualify for the climb, which will be made even more difficult by his condition. "It's a bit like looking down two Smartie tubes," said the 39-year-old former security worker.

"I've got about five to ten degrees of vision when I look straight ahead – but I could wake up tomorrow and be completely blind, or it could stay like this for ten years, there's no way of knowing."

RP is a degenerative condition which eats away at peripheral vision, leaving sufferers with a tunnel effect. In most cases about 90 per cent of vision is lost, and in some cases complete blindness occurs.

Mr Cunningham recalled how his life was altered forever when the diagnosis was made.

"It changed everything and had a devastating effect," he said. "I had to quit my job because I couldn't drive any more, I lost my self-esteem and my confidence was completely destroyed.

"For the first six months I didn't even want to leave the house, but luckily I've had great support from friends and my partner Michelle."

He has spent the last four years rebuilding his life, which included a position as a telesales worker as well as regular games of bowls and golf.

"I need someone out with me on the course, and as long as I hit the ball perfectly straight I can see it. Unfortunately, that isn't very often.

"When I heard about the climb I thought it sounded like a good idea. I'll need to be careful, I'm hoping during daylight at least it will be okay."

All going well he will leave for the fundraising walk in October, which should take several weeks, along with 20 others from across the UK and Ireland – although he is the only Scot.

A cure has never been found for the condition, and last year was the first time research grants have reached seven figures.

Mr Cunningham added: "I have prepared myself for becoming completely blind, I think you have to.

"I spend a lot of time around others, some who are worse off than me, some better, and it helps immensely to talk to them and see how they cope with it."

&#149 To donate money to the charity climb visit www.justgiving.com/stevencunningham

&#149 www.brps.org.uk