In 2010, Sophie Jackson, a 40-year-old Canadian, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis by doctors. This autoimmune neurological disease of the central nervous system, which affects in particular the brain, the optic nerves and the spinal cord, strikes on average 1 in 1000 people and especially women. Difficult to diagnose, it is still incurable.
For Ted, Sophie’s husband, it’s a real thunderclap: “We have 4 children. The announcement of Sophie’s illness was like the death sentence for our family. We were devastated. But Ted does not let himself be defeated: resolute, he is ready to do anything to support his wife.
“He’s my hero”
The 42-year-old man then decided to raise funds for the Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis (WHO) association, which helps diseases to overcome the symptoms of the disease daily. To do this, he founded a website… and decided to run 7 marathons in 7 days.
For Ted then begins an incredible world tour. From Australia to Antarctica, passing by Chile and the United Arab Emirates, he goes on marathons, and totals a record of 45 hours of running in one week. “Ted really impressed me,” says Sophie. He is absolutely not athletic, but he is above all stubborn, and his performance is incredible. Really, he’s my hero. “My main difficulty was that I didn’t speak English,” explains Ted. And by the end of the fifth day, I was barely standing on my legs. But I had to do it for her. »
A performance that bears fruit: Ted collected 220,000 euros.
Read also: Multiple sclerosis: statins would be an effective treatment.
