To everyone who knows him, Stuart Everett is one in a million.
Having been diagnosed with a life-threatening disorder more than a decade ago, Mr Everett has suffered with a rare neurological condition for the past seven years.
But despite battling a debilitating illness, the brave 35-year-old of Oulton Broad has maintained a positive outlook and not let the condition 'define him'.
And at the weekend more than 120 people turned out to raise funds and awareness during a charity walk. The sponsored walk, from Lowestoft to Oulton Broad and back, attracted a 'fantastic turnout' as more than £3,000 was raised for the Myaware charity – which is fighting myasthenia gravis (MG), the condition Mr Everett suffers with.
He said: 'I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome about 12 years ago after I woke up one morning and was paralysed from the neck down. I spent the next 12 months basically learning to walk again.'
But after making a rapid recovery, his life was turned upside down again in 2009.
Mr Everett, who is managing director of Sentinel Leisure Trust – which runs leisure services in Waveney, said: 'I was struck down with MG, which is a very rare, debilitating condition.
'Relapses can happen any day and basically there are one in a million people worldwide who suffer with both conditions.'
With it being the 40th anniversary of the Myaware charity, and myasthenia awareness month, Saturday's walk – organised by Mr Everett's wife Lindsay – was hailed a success.
Mr Everett said: 'There have been tough times, but my work have been brilliant in supporting me all the way and I have great friends and family behind me.
'A massive thank you from my wife Lindsay, twin boys Charlie and Oliver and I goes to everyone who took part, all the sponsors and those who donated – I am extremely flattered.'
Steve Ardley, mayor of Lowestoft, greeted the walkers on their return. He said: 'There was a fantastic turnout and hopefully this makes people more aware of the condition.'
Mr Everett's brother, Ian, added: 'Stu puts on a brave face and does not let MG define him – that is why we are here, to get together, raise awareness and funds for the charity.'
? Pledge support via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Stuart-Everett1
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