Blind actress in run for charity

The Emmerdale actress lost her sight from a diabetes-related illness

A woman who was the first blind actress to be cast in a British soap is urging people to take part in a unique charity race set to challenge the senses.

Thirty-eight-year-old Kitty McGeever, who plays Lizzie Lakely in the ITV soap Emmerdale, lost her sight at the age of 33 from a diabetes-related illness.

She is calling on people to join her in a 5km (3 mile) run in Leeds on 28 June.

Runners can choose to run blindfolded with a sighted guide to get an idea of the challenges faced by blind people.

The race in Roundhay Park has been organised by Sense, a charity for deaf-blind people and will coincide with Deafblind Awareness week.

Ms McGeever will run along with fellow Emmerdale actor Matthew Wolfenden, who plays David Metcalfe.

Ms McGeever said: "This is a fun family race that will give people an insight into some of the challenges faced by deaf-blind people and I am really looking forward to supporting Sense on the day."