A 61-year-old deafblind man is to take part in a fun run to raise money for the Jewish Deaf Association.

Michael Corney will be taking part in the 5km Maccabi Community Fun Run on May 20 and hopes to raise £1,000 for the North Finchley charity.

Mr Corney, from Swiss Cottage, said: “The JDA has done so much for me over so many years and this is my way of thanking them for everything they have given me.

“The Fun Run is a challenge but I want to do it as a way of giving back to the JDA.

“It is important not just to take, but to be able to give as well and this is a way of keeping our Support Services going.

“Because I am deafblind the experience is even more special. Just to feel the fresh air on my face and the buzz of being around others will be amazing.”

Mr Corney, who was born deaf and went blind in his 40s, will be supported by two guides provided by the JDA.

Sue Cipin, JDA executive director, said: “We are so grateful to Michael for taking part in the Community Fun Run in aid of the JDA.

“Being deafblind in a hearing and seeing world can be an immensely isolating experience.

“While completing the 5k course will be no easy feat for Michael we know he will rise to the challenge.

“We wish him and all participants the very best of luck - we simply couldn’t do what we do without people like them supporting us.”

The charity is the only specialist Jewish facility of its kind in the UK and it offers a variety of practical and emotional support and assistance to the profoundly deaf and deafblind community.

It relies solely on donations and fundraising efforts. Michael can be supported through the Maccabi Community Fun Run website: www.communityfunrun.org