A BLIND man who did almost nothing for 20 years after losing his sight will represent the charity he credits with saving his life in a triathlon this weekend.

David Cranson, from Deaf Hill, near Trimdon, County Durham, developed optic atrophy in 1988 and his vision rapidly deteriorated.

He lost 90 per cent of his sight and was left seeing just light and dark which led to him spending ‘almost 20 years doing nothing’ when his life ‘almost fell apart’.

But in 2007 the former Royal Artillery Gunner Driver discovered endurance sports thanks the charity Blind Veterans UK, which supports visually impaired ex servicemen and women.

After joining the charity he visited its centre in Brighton where he immediately felt valued and found a new lease of life when staff helped him enjoy swimming and running.

He has since clocked up hundreds of miles in endurance events on behalf of the charity including three Great South Runs, marathons in London and Brighton, a 75mile walk, four 60mile tandem bike rides and five triathlons.

Tomorrow (Saturday, August 8) he will take part in the London Triathlon with a guide, which involves swimming a mile in the River Thames, 24 miles on a tandem bike and a six-mile run.

The 61-year-old said: “Life was difficult once I started losing my sight, but the charity made me feel wanted.

“They got me in the pool and running outside and I just took off, I never realised what I’d be capable of and suddenly I had a life back and here I am.

“I’m about to do my sixth triathlon, wearing the Blind Veterans UK vest to raise awareness and money for them.

“I do it for the charity that gave me my life back but also for my family.”

When Mr Cranson takes part in the event, which is the world's biggest triathlon with around 13,000 triathletes and 30,000 spectators each year, he will think of his loved ones.

Making daughter Karen, son and daughter in law Wayne and Jean, and grandchildren Megan, Finley, Erin and Faith proud will be the incentive he needs to get him to the finish line.

He said: “When they see dad and granddad out there, see my medals it is the best feeling, to make them proud is why I work my arse off.

“Discovering sport through the charity has changed my life totally.”

For more information about the charity visit the website blindveterans.org.uk or call 01273-307811.