A Helsby fundraiser suffering from a rare form of Alzheimer’s that causes visual problems will run the Essar Four Villages Half Marathon later this month.

Paul Bulmer, 56, will compete in the 13.1 mile road race – dubbed the Helsby Half – on Sunday, January 18, to boost funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The former IT consultant was diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), the same condition that has afflicted author Sir Terry Pratchett, in 2012.

PCA, which affects 64,000 people in the UK, is a progressive neurological disease which affects skills such as reading, driving and seeing what and where things are.

Other symptoms include difficulties with literacy, numeracy and the inability to cope with changes in light. Thinking skills and speech may also be affected.

Due to issues judging distance and depth, Paul will be accompanied by guide runners when he tackles the course.

The married father-of-two explained his reasons for running the half marathon: “Although I’ve had to give up my job, stop driving and need help with many day-to-day things, I like to concentrate on what I can do rather than what I can’t.

“I have always been a runner, purely for pleasure. Now I run with guide runners because of my visual processing difficulties. It’s a challenge these days, but I want to run for as long as I am able.

“My diagnosis has closed many doors for me but I’ve been pleased to find it’s opened others. My local running club has taken me to heart and I’ve made new friends as a result.

“The only answer to dementia is research and I plan to do everything I can to help Alzheimer’s Research UK find the preventions and treatments so urgently needed.”

Jodie Vaughan, community fundraising manager at Alzheimer’s Research UK, praised Paul’s spirit and commitment.

“We couldn’t be more grateful to Paul for taking on the Four Villages Half Marathon for Alzheimer’s Research UK and we wish him every success on the day,” she said.

“He’s a true inspiration to many and is proof that a dementia diagnosis doesn’t have to stop you leading a rewarding and fulfilling life. Every £20 Paul raises is enough to pay for an hour of pioneering research, bringing us closer to finding ways to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.”

To sponsor Paul, visit www.justgiving.com/paul-bulmer2 or text ARUK71 and amount (example ARUK71 £10) to 70070.

For more information about Alzheimer’s Research UK, or to find out more about fundraising for the charity, call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org .