A BURTON man is to put himself through the pain barrier for the second year running when he tackles the London Marathon next month.
But Pete Yates’ 26-mile challenge will be nothing compared to what his wife has had to endure over the last two years.
Mr Yates, from Branston, will take on the marathon again to raise money and awareness for sufferers of multiple sclerosis, the condition which his wife Sophie was diagnosed with two years ago, at the age of 29.
The condition, for which there is no cure, has a number of side effects and hits sufferers in different ways.
Mr Yates said: “She first noticed there was a problem when she lost feeling in her midriff and in her toes.
“It came back after three months, but she had another relapse which affected her hands and sight. She still has no feeling in her hands, which is a problem with water, for example, as she can’t tell how hot things are.
“She also struggles with fatigue, which differs from day to day. The fatigue knocks her for six, but then the next day once she’s recharged her batteries she’s good to go again.”
As for the marathon itself, Mr Yates says he is unsure whether his experience and knowledge of the course will be an advantage.
The challenge won’t be exactly the same as last year either, as he will be restricted by a spandex Morph suit which will completely cover his body.
He added: “Raising awareness is the main and I think wearing a silly Morph suit will do that. I’m not sure if having done it before is good or bad. I know how much it hurts, I know what to expect, but I’ve got to put myself through it all over again. I can’t see well in that suit and I can’t move well, so it’s not ideal.”
Donations to the cause can be made at http://www.justgiving.com/Pete-Yates1
