A DEAF man who is rapidly losing his sight completed the Grunty Fen Half Marathon Fun Run despite his worsening condition.

Jamie McCullough, of Palisade Court, Little Thetford, was born completely deaf as a result of Type I Usher’s Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.

He went onto become a talented artist, launching his own exhibitions and a graphic novel, but was hit hard when the condition started to take hold of his vision as well.

As a result he now has huge difficulties seeing and completing his artwork because of his patchy tunnel vision.

He relies on a communicator to speak for him and guide him but his family said he was determined not to let that get in the way of his Grunty Fen run.

The exercise fanatic, who has trained with the Pa-Kua International League of martial arts to keep fit, ran with his Pa-Kua master Rodolfo Oliva holding his wrist so he could complete the course.

The 30-year-old, who also has a degree from the Cambridgeshire School of Art at Anglia Ruskin University, now hopes to build up his running through 5k races so that he may be able to complete the full half-marathon in the future - despite the fact he will eventually go completely blind.

Dad John McCullough said Jamie’s determination to finish the race showed his son’s “strong character

“Sometimes he does get frustrated because wherever he goes he has to have a guide with him.

“However he was determined to finish the run and is very keen to work towards the half marathon. We are always very proud of Jamie.”