Multiple sclerosis sufferer to take on Brighton Marathon (From The Argus)

Multiple sclerosis sufferer to take on Brighton Marathon

1:30pm Sunday 10th March 2013 in News

A man with multiple sclerosis is taking on his toughest challenge yet by taking part in the Brighton Marathon.

Andy Whiley will be walking the 26 miles in a feat that is expected to take him more than 12 hours.

Mr Whiley, 46, from Brighton, relies on walking sticks to get out and about and will be needing three helpers to take turns to support him around the course.

He is aiming to raise £2,000 for the Brighton branch of the MS Society.

Mr Whiley was diagnosed with MS in 1999 and his symptoms include a loss of balance, poor eyesight and having trouble with walking.

He spent most of 2009 in a wheelchair but has since regained some of the strength in his legs.

To train for the event, Mr Whiley has been going on walks and treadmills.

On the day itself, the course will reopen to traffic once most of the runners are finished and Mr Whiley will complete his challenge on the city’s pavements.

The finishing line will be kept open for him so organisers can record his time and give him his medal.

Mr Whiley said his 23-year-old daughter inspired him to take on the challenge.

He said: “My daughter ran the Brighton Marathon two years ago because she knew I wasn’t able to.

“It made me want to do the marathon myself. I can’t run it, but I can walk it.”

More than 440 people in Brighton and Hove are living with MS. Most are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.

To sponsor Mr Whiley at the marathon on April 14, visit uk.virginmoneygiving. com/AndrewWhiley.

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