Azeem hunts recruits for his big race team
ABLIND footballer and Paralympic hopeful is back on the fundraising trail – and is calling on Mancunians to join him.
Azeem Amir, from Sudden, will take on the Great Manchester Run in aid of the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and is recruiting a team of runners to accompany him on May 28.
The 18-year-old was born with no sight in his right eye and only slight light perception in his left eye, but has never let this act as a barrier in life and runs with his old PE teacher, Sam Hinchliffe, as a guide.
Azeem made headlines last year when he became the youngest blind runner in the world to complete a Tough Mudder endurance event.
He is also a talented footballer and plays for Merseyside Blind FC, and hopes to represent both England and Great Britain at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
But he regards the Great Manchester Run as his favourite event of the year and ran it last year in under an hour.
Now, he will return to take part in Europe’s biggest 10k with new targets and an ambitious goal to recruit inactive people to join him, using the mantra that ‘if I can do it, anyone can do it.’
Azeem said: “Last year, it was very hectic, but very enjoyable. I loved the whole day. It’s probably my favourite event of the year.
“There’s so many different levels of runners, from the elite to those who are just wanting to get round. The whole feel of the event – the atmosphere, the crowd, the sensory element – is something which can only truly hit you when standing on the start and finish line.”
Azeem revealed his reasons for selecting the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital as his nominated charity for the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run, adding: “I’ve been blind since birth so know better than anyone what it’s like to grow up with a health condition, and to need specialist treatment and care.
“A price can’t be put on how important such care is and the hospital don’t only offer care, but support to the families of their patients.
“I want people to read my story and sign up for the run. If they see that I can do it, they will be inspired and also get involved.”
To sign up for the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run, visit greatrun. org/Manchester.