A former Met Police employee who lost all of his functional vision last year has put his efforts into organising a sports event for people of all ages with visual impairments.

The free Multi-Visually Impaired (VI) Sports Festival will be held in Sutton Sports Village in Rose Hill Park on Saturday, July 29.

Alex Pepper, 26, has had issues with his eye sight since being diagnosed with cancer of the eye at 14 months old.

The cancer returned when he was ten and Alex has had three chronic retina detachments.

Alex worked as a communications officer handling emergency calls  for four and a half years before losing the bulk of his eye sight because of past “medical complications”.

He then joined the Thomas Pocklington Trust, a national sight loss charity, as a project co-ordinator.

Regarding his new role, Alex said, “We are trying to collaborate with local societies to deliver more for people suffering with sight loss in the region.”

He has already teamed up with Sutton Vision, Crystal Palace Football Club and Metro Blind Sports to present the Multi-VI Sports Festival later this month at Sutton Sports Village.

People of all ages with a visual impairment will have the opportunity to play VI tennis and VI football and also take part in an audio dance class and a gym circuit session.

Alex said: “I was inspired to organise something sporty because exercise keeps you physically and mentally healthy and people with sight loss can interact with each other.

If their sight loss was recent they may not know anyone yet who has had the same experiences.

A Sutton Vision spokesman said: “We are very excited to be collaborating with national and local societies to deliver this event. It gives people the opportunity to gain confidence, socialise, network and feel part of their community.”

Hosting the event in Sutton Sports Village rather than a specialised facility was important to Alex.

“We wanted a general community hall and Sutton Sports Village have offered so much assistance," he said.

"Even though it is adapted sport, people will be socialising with everyday people. The sports and fitness industry is moving in that direction but it has a long way to go.”

Alex added that Sutton Sports Village was eager to host regular VI sporting events.

VI football was something Alex was keen on offering as he believes there isn’t enough of it available south of the river.

The game operates with beads being present in the balls meaning players are reliant on their hearing. Side line coaches guide the players as to where the ball is and where fellow players are around them.

There are four categories to play in depending on the extent of your eye sight.

Crystal Palace Football Club is providing the coaches.

VI tennis involves a ball that makes a noise when it bounces. The game is played on smaller courts, the net is lowered and three bounces are permitted.

Illuminate Freedom will be hosting the dance sessions.

The Multi-VI Sports Festival will commence at 11.00am and will finish at 3.00pm. It is open to anyone with sight loss, their families, friends and carers.

To register for the free event call Alex Pepper on 07970725620.