Jay’s sights set on funds

A dad who faces losing his eyesight by the time he reaches 40 is taking part in the Stirling marathon in order to raise money to help pay for specialist help.

Jay Semple (37) was diagnosed with a condition called choroideremia in 2013 which affects blood vessels surrounding the retina and can lead to complete blindness.

And he hopes participation in Sunday’s 26-mile challenge will help him raise money to put towards a visit to an eye specialist.

In the last three years his eyesight has deteriorated to the point where all he sees is a blur of shapes – and he is determined to be able to see his son Tyler James’ face again.

Jay, who lives in Glasgow, has completed more than 80 charity runs since 2009 and is taking on a staggering 30 events this year – including his very first marathon this weekend.

He said: “It would be amazing to see again. I want to see my son again. I can make out the outline of his body but I can’t see his eyes or his wee face.

“I haven’t seen that since 2014 so it would be amazing to see him again. I have big hopes and big dreams and this is the biggest yet.”

Jay, who will be donning his trademark kilt and matching trainers on Sunday, runs with a guide runner attached by bungee cord.

And despite his struggles, he says the Stirling Scottish Marathon is an event he can’t wait to take part in. but I can’t wait for this to come to Stirling. I have been wanting to do a marathon for years. “I wanted my first marathon to be a special one, so one near my home town or the big one in London. When Stirling was announced I signed up straight away. It’s in the heart of Scotland and that’s why I wanted to do it. There’s so much history around the area.” Jay insists he can’t wait to line up at Blair Drummond Safari Park on Sunday morning alongside some sporting icons. He said: “I grew up watching athletics and was inspired by Liz