Ultramarathon runner Denis Reid is once again preparing to tackle the South East – and MS in the process.
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Mr Reid, 70, first ran from Eden to Bombala in December 2013. Then each year since 2015 he has run from Merimbula to Jindabyne – a distance of around 190km with an ascent of over 915m.
The route takes in Mount Darragh, Cathcart, Bibbenluke, Dalgety, across the Snowy River, Beloka and ultimately arriving in Jindabyne.
He is preparing to make that same journey again in November this year, in the process raising awareness and funds for the “dreadful crippling disease” that is multiple sclerosis (MS).
Mr Reid’s wife Annette was diagnosed with intermittent MS in 1999. It didn’t prevent her from working at first, but with each attack it got progressively worse.
She fought to maintain a “normal” life for 10 years, but MS took its toll. She has undergone chemotherapy and steroid treatment for the disease that has no known cure and at the age of 66 had to go into a nursing home.
“The day she went into the home, she looked at me and started crying,” Mr Reid said.
“It’s too young to be in a home, especially when your brain is still alert.
“Remember this was the girl I met as a 16-year-old when I was in the Army.”
Mr Reid worked as a civilian driver at Duntroon and in 2008, he drove a contingent of soldiers to Sydney to compete in the City2Surf.
“When they came back limping and sore I was like, ‘you sooks – in my day I would’ve run that in jungle greens and boots with a full pack’,” Mr Reid said.
“The major looked at me and said, ‘right, you’re running with us next year!’”
Mr Reid began jogging and discovered a new passion, as well as a health kick, dropping from the 114kg bus driver to a leaner 71kg marathon runner.
He made the run in 2009, raising awareness and money for MS in the process along with his Army buddies. He said they collected around $6000 that year.
“But the awareness is worth just as much as the money raised,” Mr Reid said.
“This affects three times as many women as men. This is a crippling disease that affects everyone around you as well.
“Think of the little things taken for granted – running, walking, playing with your children and grandchildren, and even putting your own shoes on. These are daily challenges faced by MS sufferers.
“I was talking to my grandson about all the toys Nanna had got him, but he got puzzled and said ‘But Nanna can’t go shopping – she doesn’t leave the house’.”
Mr Reid will again run from the Far South Coast to Jindabyne in November 2018. To donate to his cause, visit his Snow to Sea page on the Do it for MS website.