ENGLAND'S first blind personal trainer hopes the approaching Paralympics will encourage people with disabilities to get involved with sport.

James O’Driscoll, from Hayes, suffers from the rare genetic condition Leber’s Optic Neuropathy. 

Effecting just one in 20 million people, Mr O’Driscoll lost his sight 14 years ago when the vision in his right eye deteriorated over night and his left eye over six weeks.

The 40-year-old played the blind paralympian in Absolutely Fabulous’ Olympic special, acting alongside Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley and Julia Sawalha. 

Following the successful Olympics, Mr O’Driscoll hopes the Paralympics have the same effect and encourages disabled people to get involved with sport.

Mr O’Driscoll said "The gym went quiet because people were watching the Olympics. Then they got the bug and were motivated to come back."

After going blind Mr O’Driscoll found it difficult to manage his change in lifestyle.

He got into acting and a role came up where he needed to be in shape.

Mr O’Driscoll said: "I went back to the gym and my body remembered the action. My nephew suggested being a personal trainer."

Supported by his wife Louise and the rest of his family, Mr O’Driscoll was able to reach his goal and is now a personal trainer at Virgin Active, in Baths Road, Bromley.

Mr O’Driscoll said: "I’m just doing what I’m doing and I enjoy it. 

"I love my clients and I build up good rapports with them."

Technology has been a huge help for Mr O’Driscoll whilst handling his blindness over the years. 

He said: "When I first went blind a mobile phone was out of the question, now the iPhone has a voice and I do everything through dictation. 

"I have a speaking computer so I can e-mail my clients by dictation."