Leicestershire’s Pete Linnett is no stranger to putting his body on the line to help fund new treatments for people living with spinal cord injuries.
Britain’s former strongest disabled man, who was born with Spina Bifida, has completed sponsored bench press and handcycle challenges. But this time he’s keeping it in the family.
The 62-year-old is hand cycling the 106 miles from Leicester to Buckingham Palace on Thursday and Friday to support his son Harry who is running the London Marathon on Sunday.
They are both raising money for Spinal Research, the UK’s leading charity funding life-changing new treatments and therapies for those paralysed after a spinal cord injury.
Pete, from Glen Parva, said: “Although I still go to the gym four times a week that is mainly about strength, but this will be much more about endurance.
“It will be tough, but I really wanted to support Harry and to raise money for Spinal Research, a charity that means so much to the whole family. I’m one of the lucky few who can still walk, which is why I support those who cannot.”
Pete is a former holder of Britain’s Strongest Disabled Man title and has travelled the world competing in disability sport, most recently coming fifth in his category at the World Strength Games in Texas.
He is an inspiration to son Harry, an Event Coordinator in London, who will line up on Sunday for his first marathon.
“My Grandparents were told my Dad would never walk, father children or live a normal life but he’s achieved what he could only have dreamed of as a child in the world of sport, and in life itself,” said Harry, 26.
“I’ve not once heard my Dad complain, and I’m amazed everyday by his positive mindset and how nothing stops him from achieving what he sets out to do.
“It’s going to be emotional knowing that at mile 26.2 my Dad will be able to watch one of his sons, that he was told he would never have, cross the finish line to support a charity that has done so much for him throughout his life.”
Every two hours someone in the UK is paralysed after a spinal cord injury – it can happen to anyone at any time with devastating consequences for them and their loved ones.
Suzanne Redding is Head of Audience and Community for Spinal Research. She said: “Pete is a true legend and we’re so grateful to him and Harry for taking on this family challenge for us. Every pound raised takes us a step closer to our goal of curing paralysis.
“The first function restoring treatments in history are now available to people living with a spinal cord injury and more breakthrough therapies are coming. But we urgently need funds to get these to the people who need them.”.
To support Harry and Pete go to their JustGiving page
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Spinal Research is the UK’s leading medical charity focused on the repair and restoration of the spinal cord.
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