A determined man from Milton Keynes has fought back against health issues and been selected to represent the UK in Team Adaptive of disabled athletes.
Back in 2021, Sha Khan suffered a catastrophic deterioration to his vision. His condition, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), is hereditary, and he never had 20-20 vision.
But this rapid change in his vision was devastating for the husband, father and grandfather.
“I found myself in a dark place with thoughts I never thought I would have,” he told MKFM.
Life at home was about a series of adjustments; from switching cutlery and crockery and ditching glasses (which are easily broken). Even the lighting used has had to be altered: “ We have had to upgrade all our lighting as a 100 watt bulb to me is very soft low lighting - think outdoor flood lights.”
Having his vision dimmed almost at the flick of a switch has been immensely difficult to come to terms with: “I feel I’m still grieving, from having my sight to it being gone in a very short period of time,” he admits.
But it was while Sha was at his lowest that he met another visually impaired person, who suggested Sha take up running to help him cope with his mental health.
“My therapist had encouraged me to keep an open mind to anything related to adjusting, so I agreed to try running – it was the best thing I could ever have done, running literally saved my life," he told us.
“I’ve never been athletic by any means so started slow and discovered the amazing running community through Couch to 5k, I have huge respect for anyone on that journey.”
Sha had a Guide Runner to ensure safety as he navigated the parks and green spaces in Milton Keynes, a running pal who is attached by a tether.
“They provide prompts all through the run, like curbs, bollards, roots branches and people ahead of us.”
It's safe to say that Sha, who works in social care, has been a runaway success too; having completed close to 100 Park Runs and two London Marathons!
Longer distances are now the preference for this inspirational man, who is a member of local group, Redway Runners.
“I feel more challenged,” the 55-year-old said, “All my races are against myself. I like to challenge myself because I live in this bubble and I find while it’s comfy it’s just not healthy. So I decided to do a couple of 50k Ultra Marathons, which I really enjoyed.
“One of my Ultra Marathons was a 50k Trail ultra marathon - which was really tough not just for me but especially for my incredible guide, Peter Bennett, what a guy. We ran single file along narrow paths through the Chiltern Hills, in the rain and in the dark. Peter was excellent with his single word commands. We got through it with many slips and trips adding to the thrill and fun - no falls in the mud thankfully!”
Sha is also representing the UK as part of Team Adaptive, an elite club of just 77 disabled athletes from countries around the world.
“For road running the pinnacle might be the Olympics and for trail running it is the Ultra Tour Du Mont Blanc, UTMB bring runners from across the globe to the Alps to compete in the very challenging World Series.
“Being validated by the prestigious UTMB into Team Adaptive as an Adaptive Athlete is such an honour and privilege for me. I am so proud of myself and the process showed me again that if I put my mind to something, no matter how challenging, I can do it.
“I’ve experienced being with people of all ages, some with profound disability keeping active - even if it’s moving just one muscle or limb. I encourage everyone to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Only good can come from that,' he thinks, “Disability does not mean inability.”
Follow Sha's journey on the social platforms @shagoesfar
