OVERCOMING a debilitating muscle wasting disease prompted a former Metropolitan Police Inspector to undertake a mammoth physical and mental challenge.

Pete Miller, of the Childwickbury Estate, who now works as a British Transport Police Inspector, competed in an Ironman Triathlon in Roth, Germany last Sunday, July 10.

Pete, 54, completed the 2.5-mile swim, 112 miles of cycling followed by a 26.2-mile marathon run to raise money for The Muscle Help Foundation.

The charity, which helps children and young people suffering from the muscle wasting disease Muscular Dystrophy, was chosen by Pete because of his personal experience battling Guillain Barre Syndrome, a disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks part of the nervous system.

Diagnosed in 2006, Pete had been super-fit, competing in cycling and triathlon competitions and on the verge of retiring from the Met Police when he fell ill.

He said: “I started to fall over and lose all my strength and could not co-ordinate my body movements. It took doctors six weeks to diagnose me and I could hardly move.

“I was lucky because I recovered in six months, my body fought it off relatively quickly, however I know of another police officer who is still in hospital after four years with Guillain Barre Syndrome.”

Pete added: “I’m doing the Ironman to raise money for kids who are so young and suffering so much. The Muscle Help Foundation helps them by providing amazing experiences that they would not otherwise be able to do.”

To sponsor Pete, visit his sponsorship page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ROTH