James Semple, who runs under the name of Jay Cruz, is a registered blind athlete based in Glasgow. Although much of his vision has been lost, Jay still has a small amount of eyesight remaining. The cause of Jay’s loss of eyesight is do to a rare genetic disorder called Choroideremia.

Despite this set back, Jay has become an accomplished distance runner (aided by a guide runner). Jay was training for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. However, do to the Pandemic, Jay lost all his guides with whom he would run track and train with. With every facility near closed, and lockdowns, Jay was unable to train and became highly depressed as this goal gave him purpose.

Jay gained 3 stones of weight and his hopes started to fade away. But being the strong and resilient person he is, Jay did not despair and as soon as lockdowns were over, he went back into running.

New advances have been discovered regarding eyesight healing, and now more than ever, Jay needs the support of the people, because he might have a chance not only to save what little eyesight he has left, but perhaps recuperating some of it too.

Jay has dedicated over 10 years of his life running (like a true Scotsman) in his kilt to support all kinds of charities. He is always giving, always helping others whilst trying to raise awareness of this rare condition he suffers from. So we ask that you help us help him now in getting him the funds he truly needs and deserves. Jay deserves to be helped and he deserves to recuperate his eyesight. He hasn’t seen his son in 10 years! He dreams every day and prays every day that he will get this miracle come true. We need your help and such a kind man deserves for us to try!

What is Choroideremia?

Choroideremia is a condition which affects mainly men and causes the progressive loss of vision. All sufferers will eventually lose 100% of their vision. The condition is a genetic condition and causes the loss of cells within the the retina and the nearby blood vessels. It affects approx 1 in 50,000 people. There is no known cure for the condition although trials of stem cell treatments appear to be having positive results in the US. Some trials are being conducted in the UK by the NHS but unfortunately Jay was diagnosed too late to be accepted for the UK trial programme.

Why are we Crowdfunding?

If Jay reaches the target of £25,000, he can go to the United States where he would receive private stem cell treatment and other new treatments, which according to early results will help protect the vision he has left, and perhaps recuperate some of it as well. This would help enable Jay to enjoy a better quality of life and as far as possible seeing his young son growing up.

Any money not used for Jay’s treatments will be used for fundraising research regarding his condition.