A FOOTBALL fan who lost his vision at the age of 27 is calling for people to join his skydive fundraising team.

Richard Deadman was left petrified after discovering both his retinas had detached due to Diabetic Retinopathy.

As Berkshire Vision's resources and reception officer, the 40-year-old is now hoping he can be an inspiration to others.

Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes aged four, he would follow his beloved Chelsea home and away before he lost his sight.

A friend and colleague contacted the football club and they sent a signed photo of Frank Lampard and Jose Mourinho.

Several operations later, most of his sight was restored in one eye, but he remains blind in the other.

Richard is the go-to person at Berkshire Vision for staff, volunteers and members, especially as he has first-hand experience of sight loss.

The charity is hoping to hear from more skydivers to join the team of sighted and visually-impaired jumpers.

In 2018, Richard jumped out of a plane for Berkshire Vision and he is doing it again this year to show his support.

Email: Gerry.harmon@berkshirevision.org.uk or call: 0118 987 2803 if you would like to help.