Ian offers himself as a guide for blind runners

A volunteer with the North Wales Society of the Blind has completed special training to guide blind runners.

Ian Jones from Brynteg, Ynys Môn, started volunteering with the Society last year after recovering from his injuries suffered when he was in a cycling accident.

Since then, Ian, who is married and the father of two, has volunteered as a guide on Clwb Cerdded Eryri's walks which are organised monthly by the Society.

Ian is a keen runner, naturalist and birder and can describe the trees, plants and birds around him to blind and sight-loss people on the walks.

Ian is a member of the Môn Milers Running Club.

He also sings and plays the guitar. Ian entertained the blind at their Christmas dinner and he sings as part of the weekly preparations at ParkRun Newborough, Ynys Môn.

Ian, 60, said: "I have completed a 'Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running' workshop and have a current DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate."

He said: “I regularly attend, volunteer and complete ParkRun Newborough, Ynys Môn and enjoy the social and welcoming atmosphere that can be found in the running family.

"I have recently gained a 'Leader in running fitness' licence. This is an official qualification recognised by all British athletics bodies which covers warm-up before and after running, static and dynamic stretching and efficient running techniques.

"I would like to develop the guide side and my profile can be found by visiting the Find-a-guide website and entering postcode LL78 in the search box."

On his profile, Ian says he is available to run as a guide at any Park Run here in the North. Training for running 10k and half marathons would require prior warning.

You can contact Ian through the Society on 01248 353604.