Steve Brydon will compete in a desert marathon to raise money for autism. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun
FROM couch potato to ultra marathon runner, St Kilda dad Steve Brydon will stop at nothing for his son.
The once 100kg sofa surfer is taking on the biggest challenge of his life, a 250km trek across the Sahara Desert to raise awareness for autism, which his son suffers from.
"It's a cause close to my heart as my son, James, was officially diagnosed with autism at the age of four," Steve said.
Brydon heads for Egypt on Tuesday to run in the 250km Sahara Race to raise vital funds for Autism Spectrum Australia.
In just over 12 months, the father of two has transformed himself from a chubby armchair spectator to an ultra athlete.
He can now manage to complete marathons with ease, all for the love of his children, James, 7 and Anna, 5.
"When I'm in deep pain running, it's easy to have their two little faces flick up in my mind and I can get through anything," he said.
Japanese broadcaster NHK is set to screen Steve's journey from sofa to Sahara as a two-part TV presentation expected to be watched by 20 million Japanese people.
The gruelling Sahara race is part of the 4 Deserts Series, ranked in the Top 10 Endurance Competitions of the world by Time magazine.
With temperatures reaching up to 50C, Steve will race in one marathon a day for four days and two marathons on the second last day followed by "a gentle 10km run" to the finish line at the Pyramids of Giza.
Steve has raised nearly $4000 and is encouraging people to donate cash to help him reach his Odyssey 4 Autism goal of $25,000.
The funds will be passed on to Autism Spectrum Australia.
People wishing to help Steve's cause can visit odyssey4autism.com.au
Source: A day in the life of a wizard
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