A YOUNG man born blind who refuses to let his disability stand in his way led by example during the first ever Colour Run for those affected by sight loss.

A rainbow of colour erupted during the 5km fun run/walk with 350 entrants flocking to the Sight Concern fundraiser at the Lido Park, Droitwich on Saturday.

The amount raised has yet to be counted but each runner had to raise a minimum of £15 in sponsorship with many expected to raise much more.

The crowds donned coloured sunglasses and rainbow-coloured tutus while Cllr Graham Beale, the Mayor of Droitwich, entered the spirit of the event when he sprayed everyone with blue powder paint from a fire extinguisher during the warm-up.

Although fun was the order of the day the Colour Run has a serious purpose and is considered especially important to the charity which has seen a third of its funding axed following national funding cuts.

Jenny Gage, chief executive of Worcester-based Sight Concern wants the Colour Run to become a regular event in the charity's calendar.

Lee Greatbatch, aged 32, of Canada Way, Lower Wick, Worcester, wanted to take part in the event to give something back to the charity which helped him.

The former University of Worcester student said the charity, which has supported him for the last 12 months, had helped him to move house two weeks ago.

The former Paralympian, who competed in the five aside at Beijing in 2008, was born with congenital glaucoma but called on an old university friend, 29-year-old Daniel Simmons to be his guide, using a neck tie to keep him on track as the pair ran together.

Mr Greatbatch, who hopes to raise £100, said: “If it was not for Sight Concern I would not have found the process of moving house easy at all. They have been a godsend, absolutely."

They have helped him by reading important letters for him and to make use of computers as well as giving him the opportunity to complete artwork and social activities.

Mr Greatbatch runs his own professional, personal development business where he is an inspirational and motivational speaker, talking to young people over the age of 16.

He said: “We go through life and face challenges. It is about how we overcome those challenges by keeping the right attitude.”

His friend Daniel, who has performed a 26 mile tandem ride with Lee during ‘Stourbug’, said: “He will have a go at anything.”

Joining him was Shirley Sheridan, aged 50, of Gardens Walk, Upton who says Sight Concern gave her back her confidence after she suffered sight loss 19 years ago as a result of diabetic retinopathy.

She now plays golf and completed a skydive last July in Swindon - a 30 second freefall as she dropped 5,000 feet and can also use a computer following support from the charity.

Mrs Sheridan, accompanied by guide dog Taylor, said: "I did skydiving last July. I loved it. I loved the speed of it. When I lost my sight everything just slowed down. Even when making a cup of tea you have to be so much more careful with what you do, even finding the cup in the cupboard.

"I couldn't walk very fast because I would bump into things. But having Taylor as a guide dog I have been able to pick up speed walking down the road.

"My biggest achievement since losing my sight is regaining my confidence. When you suffer sight loss you lose confidence and you feel a failure. Your self-esteem plummets. You can't do all the things you used to be able to do. You feel stupid.

"The simplest things you can't do anymore and you're having to ask for help. For a number of years I didn't do anything. When Sight Concern contacted me - that's when everything changed. It's a lot if support, a lot of encouragement, a lot of opportunities with the help of volunteers and trained staff to encourage visually impaired people to regain their confidence and be the person they used to be."

For those who missed out on this event they can attend Redditch Colour Run on Saturday, September 5.

The run begins at 11am at Arrow Valley Country Park, Redditch

The paint station sponsors in Droitwich were Hayward Wright and Fortis Living and Modus.