A terminally-ill motor neurone disease (MND) patient is set to take on the London Marathon this Sunday, pushed in his wheelchair by a support team including former Ironman world champion Chrissie Wellington.
Sam Perkins, 41, from East Leake, Nottinghamshire, is believed to be the first competitor entirely dependent on a ventilator to attempt the event. He has lost all movement and requires breathing assistance around the clock.
Mr Perkins, a Nottingham Forest fan, was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and has since raised over £150,000 for research and palliative care. He co-founded the charity Stand Against MND, which has received more than £7,000 in pledges for this challenge.
“I am very, very excited – it’s something I have always wanted to experience,” he said. He hopes to complete the 26.2-mile course in four-and-a-half hours, assisted by a four-strong team.
Chrissie Wellington, a four-time Ironman world champion, said: “He is utterly inspirational. It’s an honour to be part of a team that enables Sam to realise a dream.”
A spokesperson for Stand Against MND added: “Sam sets an exceptionally high standard of commitment… pushing the limits of what can be achieved despite living with such a debilitating disease.”
