Parents’ blindfold run for brave son who lost sight

The parents of a toddler who lost his sight at nine months old as a result of cancer are running blindfolded in a bid to raise awareness.

Ed and Kath Anderton spoke of son Lennie’s bravery and called for more understanding towards visually impaired people.

Mrs Anderton, 39, from Tottenham, said: “The first time we tried the blindfold it was terrifying. I found myself running with tears streaming down my cheeks. Lennie is only three and just learning to walk independently — doing this has made me realise how brave he has to be every time he takes a step.”

The couple will run the 5km next month at the Olympic Park in Stratford to support the Royal London Society for Blind People. There are more than 22,000 people registered blind in London, with nearly 2,000 under 17.

Tom Pey, chief executive of RLSB, said: “Sadly, childhood sight loss continues to be a predictor of a poor and lonely adulthood. Many blind children experience bullying and loneliness at school.”

The charity is running the London Without Limits festival until November to raise awareness of visually impaired young Londoners.

Lennie lost his sight as a result of a bone tumour in his skull which was pressing on his optic nerve. He received life-saving chemotherapy at Great Ormond Street Hospital and proton therapy, a type of radiation treatment, in Florida. Lennie now attends mainstream nursery with the help of a support worker.