England legend to run marathon for eye charity

Darren Harris has been training with his running guide and feels ready for the bug day in London [Darren Harris]

England's most capped and decorated blind footballer is set to run the London Marathon to raise awareness about eye cancer.

Darren Harris, from Wolverhampton, was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma at just 15 months old and as a result of the treatment he lost his vision.

He did not let the impairment stop him, and went on to become a Paralympian and was recently inducted into the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame.

On Sunday, he will run 26-miles for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust.

The 52-year-old, made his debut for the country's blind team in 1996 and went on to make 157 appearances, scoring 34 goals while winning 10 world and European medals.

"The truth is, living with constant uncertainty about your health—while trying to build a career, relationships, and a future—takes a toll that's hard to put into words," he said.

"It can feel like a ticking time bomb. Today, that reality is also what drives me."

Aiming for personal best

The Wulfrunian's friend and former teammate Robin Williams died from the condition in December last year, prompting the footballer to take up the challenge to raise awareness.

It's not the first time he has lined up for the legendary race, but 29 years later he has a bigger ambition.

In 1997, he completed the gruelling 26.2 miles (42 kms) challenge in four hours and 27 minutes. This time around, he plans to lop an hour off that time.