Deaf and partially sighted runner inspires Brighton pupils ahead of half marathon

A deaf and partially sighted runner spoke to pupils at a deaf school in Brighton this week.

James Clarke, 35, has set himself a personal challenge by entering 100 runs of between 10 kilometres and 26 miles despite having Usher syndrome.

He is running the Brighton Half Marathon on Sunday (17 February) in aid Hamilton Lodge Deaf School and College in Brighton.

He spoke about the challenges of competing as someone who is deaf and partially sighted when he visited the school this week.

James Clarke with pupils from Hamilton Lodge Deaf School

Mr Clarke also answered questions from students and staff at Hamilton Lodge in Walpole Road, Brighton.

He hopes to get his 45th run medal at the half marathon on Sunday. He also hopes to compete in the 2016 Paralympics and the 2017 Deaflympipcs throwing the javelin.

Mr Clarke said: “I am delighted to offer my time to run and raise the money for Hamilton Lodge Deaf School and College.

“Please sponsor me for any amount to help make this amazing school more accessible for all deaf children.”

Hamilton Lodge principal Graham Sheppard said: “James has a fascinating story to tell.

“His determination to raise awareness and be a good role model were inspiring for everyone at the special assembly.

“We are very grateful for his talk and his enthusiasm to raise money to make our buildings more accessible to students with limited mobility.”

To sponsor Mr Clarke online visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/deafblindrunner and read more about him on his Facebook page.