AN INSPIRATIONAL man who was blinded eight years ago in a serious car accident was pleased to have completed his first ever half marathon is his home town of Chippenham over the weekend.

Ryan Simões-Hibberd completed the Chippenham Half Marathon in just under two hours eight minutes on Sunday, September 10 in front of a huge cheering crowd.

The 28-year-old joined Chippenham Harriers two years ago, to get back to full fitness following the car accident which killed his friend Jennifer and left him blind in 2009.

Mr Simões-Hibberd ran alongside his team mates, raising funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, who saved his live.

“I will support them for the rest of my life, I couldn’t do enough for them now,” he explained.

“It has given me more aim to beat under two hours next time. In March at the Bath Half Marathon I hope to get under, if not closer to the two hours.

“It was so much effort and time dedicated to one event it was god on the day itself. I was pleased to finish what I had been working towards for quite some time.

“It was such a well-supported event. Running it felt really great and to be in my home town it felt special because of the local support.

“It has given me more aim to beat under two hours next time. In March at the Bath Half Marathon I hope to get under, if not closer to the two hours.”

Chris Oakley, Chippenham Harriers chairman and Mr Simões-Hibberd’s guide runner, said: “This isn’t about me, this is all about him. He did brilliant, I was very proud to be part of his first half marathon experience.

“There was lots of support for Ryan all the way around the course.

“He is chuffed to bits, he was so full of life.”