A 10-year-old boy who was born blind has a "race against time" to preserve his hearing, according to his family.
The Norrie Disease, a rare genetic disorder that can result in blindness and progressive hearing loss, is what Cameron, a Bristol resident, has.
His hearing in the other ear has gotten worse, and he is deaf in one.
"His hearing is his access to the world," his mother Carla said. That he might lose his hearing is heartbreaking to consider. ".
In the UK, it's estimated that 40 people have Norrie Disease, but the Norrie Disease Foundation has warned that there may be more cases that haven't yet been identified.
In addition to hearing loss and other developmental delays, children with the condition have a chance of being born blind or with impaired vision.
At the age of three, Cameron's right ear hearing inexplicably went out. He is nonverbal.
His mother expressed concern that if his hearing loss persisted, he might fall into a world of "silent darkness.".
It's his access to his loved ones, his friends, and the things he enjoys, like music, along with his hands.
"I liken it to a ticking time bomb in the room's corner. It's always on my mind, she admitted.
"I sense a race against the clock. Carla continued, "I don't want Cameron to run the risk of becoming very alone in the world.
To aid in funding the condition's research, Cameron's parents are attempting to raise £10,000.
For the Norrie Disease Foundation's benefit, they intend to carry Cameron up Ben Nevis in May.
The five-person team then intends to cycle 517 miles back to Bristol.
Carla declared: "I'm a firm believer in working to change people's perceptions of what disabled people are capable of and want them to think there are no boundaries.
. "
