Couple to compete in 'Spennylympics' in memory of much-loved Weymouth musician
This year will mark 10 years since Spencer Bates lost his life to Motor Neurone Disease
A Weymouth man who lost his brother to Motor Neurone Disease has set himself an Olympic challenge that's never been done before.
Stuart Bates and his partner Charlotte Nichols will compete in all 80 Olympic events across the 17 days that coincide with the Tokyo Olympic games this summer. (23rd July - 8th August)
Stuart has come up with the challenge to mark the 10-year anniversary of the death of his brother Spencer Bates known as Spenny.
They're calling their challenge the Spennylympics.
Stuart's brother Spencer was a much-loved local musician.
Stuart said:
"He was probably the most loyal and trusted friend you could have. A brilliantly talent musician and always the party started. And I think an absolute measure of how loved and cherished he was his funeral, where over 750 people attended."
From marathons to wrestling
This is the first time that anyone has ever attempted this feat and for good reason as the events include: a marathon, a 240km cycle, a 10km swim, 10m platform diving and numerous other energy sapping tests.
There will also be plenty to laugh at as Stuart and Charlotte take on synchronised swimming, skateboarding, surfing and Greco-Roman wrestling!
Stuart said:
"We're very lucky. We've had lots and lots of Olympians jump on board.
"For the synchronised swimming we have actually got the number one British synchro pair. They've invited us to Bristol to train with them and they are going to put together a routine for us."
Neither Charlotte of Stuart are currently anywhere near Olympic fitness levels and so they have a lot of hard work to do in the next 6 months!
Charlotte said:
"We've designed some home circuits, running up and down the stairs!"
"We've got a really good personal trainer designing a plan for us. Martyn Bernard who was an Olympic high jumper for team GB has offered to create a plan for us, so hopefully when we have that we will be on the way to Olympic fitness!"
These events will be completed across various UK locations, but the couple intend to start and finish the challenges in Weymouth including the football, sailing, beach volleyball, skateboarding and culminating with the marathon on the final day!
Stuart, a window cleaner, and Charlotte, a Bristol University Medical student, have recruited over 40 former and current Olympians to act as ambassadors and mentors for their specific event.
The list includes athletes such as Amir Khan, Tessa Sanderson CBE, Sally Gunnell OBE, Joe Clarke MBE, Anna Watkins MBE and Hannah Mills MBE.
They are also being supported by GB weightlifter and special ambassador, Emily Muskett (Godley), who lost her mum, Celia, to this terrible disease just before Christmas.
Stuart and Charlotte said:
"We are both excited and terrified by this challenge in equal measure! We have been astounded by the level of support and interest throughout the British Olympic community that we have received so far and are incredibly grateful to everyone who is working hard to help us achieve this dream.
"We are so motivated to raise vital awareness and funds for MNDA in memory of Spenny and for all of those currently battling this disease for which there is currently no cure."