A FORMER soldier turned long distance runner will be supported by 80,000 spectators when he competes in his first Paralympics while his family cheer him on from less sunny climes - 2,000 miles away in Skegness!

While Blackburn Harrier, Mark Brown, prepares for the biggest challenge of his life, wife Janet and daughters Claire and Samantha will be spurring dad on from a holiday chalet in the Lincolnshire resort.

"I couldn't really afford to take the family to Atlanta," said the 34-year-old from Burnley. "Besides they would've been too much of a distraction anyway. They will be with me in spirit though"

As the Olympics draw to a close, thousands of disabled athletes will converge in Atlanta to compete in what is also the pinnacle of their sporting calendars.

Mark took up competitive running at a late age, although he has been running for 20 years. He lost his left arm in a road accident when he was a soldier serving with the Queen's Lancashire Regiment and temporarily gave up running at the age of 20.

"I took up fell running a few years after the accident and really enjoyed it," said Mark. "I then joined the Harriers and soon found myself being coached by the experienced Arthur Almond. I've always had a competitive edge and thankfully I've managed to maintain my running skills."

Mark, a full time mental health nurse, has spent the last three years training for the 5,000 metres on August 17.

"It's going to be difficult to beat the Spaniard, Conde, but I should make the silver," he said. "The crowd will be daunting but I feel great and can't wait to go."

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