First marathon challenge up soon for 'Pete the postie poet'

Wednesday 23 March 2022

Peter Le Prevost - better known as 'Pete the postie poet' - is preparing to run the Guernsey Marathon the weekend after next in aid of a charity which he says is a "lifeline” to his ill sister.

Mr Le Prevost will be running to raise funds for The Pituitary Foundation at the local event on Sunday 3 April after his first attempt at a marathon in Brighton was thwarted by the covid-19 pandemic.

“Four years ago, my sister, Clair, was diagnosed with a very rare and often misdiagnosed illness called Cushing’s disease,” said Mr Le Prevost.

“The condition is caused by a tumour growing on her pituitary gland and caused her body to release too much of the stress hormone, cortisol, which meant that her body was receiving a dangerously high level...and started to shut down.”

Pictured: Peter Le Prevost's family (left to right): Clair (sister), Steve (brother), Joy (mum), Richard (dad), Peter and Tim (brother). 

Despite an original misdiagnosis, Mr Le Prevost said his sister was fortunate to receive an early diagnosis.

“After MRI scans, countless blood tests and many other complex tests, it was discovered that Clair’s cortisol levels were 10 times what they should have been," he said.

“She was given medication to reduce the cortisol levels while she awaited surgery.

"The tumour was surgically removed in 2018 and she is now in remission, but her pituitary gland is 'asleep, which has left her with another rare condition called Addison’s disease.

“Without daily replacement steroids, Clair’s body could go into an adrenal crisis, which would be potentially life threatening.”

Pictured: Peter Le Prevost's sister, Clair, before (left) and after surgery for a tumour on her pituitary gland. 

Mr Le Prevost said the Pituitary Foundation supported his sister through her “long and lonely” journey and that she found comfort in the Foundation's helpline.

“In addition to the line where Clair could speak to volunteers who had similar experiences to her and could offer her a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, the Foundation also has a dedicated endocrine nurse, informative literature and a network of support groups.

“This amazing, supportive and informative charity has been, and continues to be, a lifeline to Clair and many others as they come to terms with living through such rare diseases.”

Pictured: Peter Le Prevost has completed in some local races but none of a distance close to a full marathon. (Credit: Phil Nicole). 

Mr Le Prevost, who works for Guernsey Post, intended to run the Brighton Marathon two years ago.

“I previously raised £575 for the Pituitary Foundation, but I still haven’t completed the marathon due to the covid pandemic.

“People were really kind and extremely generous with their donations. It is humbling. Any extra I can raise ahead of the Guernsey Marathon is a great help as all charities have struggled through covid.

“I have been supported by family and friends and also by some of the lovely people on my post rounds.

“I decided to run here on our beautiful island. While it may not have the same excitement of London or Brighton, logistically it is much easier, and I’m a proud Guernseyman, so undertaking my first marathon here seems fitting.”

Pictured: Peter Le Prevost will compete in the Guernsey Marathon on 3 April 2022. (Credit: Phil Nicole)

Mr Le Prevost, now 40, started running in his mid-thirties.

“When we moved from delivering post on bikes to vans, I started to put on weight, so I ended up going for a run and I just continued with it.

“I have done a few races over the last few years, but nothing much longer than a half marathon, so this distance is going to be a really big challenge for me.

“My body tends to be quite happy running up to and around half marathon, but over 15 miles it starts complaining. I did 18 miles last week and I certainly felt it.”

Pictured: Peter Le Prevost also writes poetry about current events as 'petethepostiepoet'.

Mr Le Prevost is also a poet. He often showcases his work on social media and has performed his poems locally.

“Poetry has been a real outlet for me through the pandemic and during difficult times in my life over the last couple of years.

“If you can use your own experiences to say things that others are feeling but can’t put into words, it is a real privilege. I like to write about my own life and also about other current issues.”

Mr Le Prevost wrote a poem for his sister which concludes:

"You amaze me and inspire me; you have come so far.

"In your darkest night I watched you shining like the North Star.”

Pictured: Peter Le Prevost hopes that his recent training regime will help sustain him through his first marathon the weekend after next. 

Mr Le Prevost is dedicating his marathon challenge to his sister.

“Clair is an amazing inspiration and example.

"Undertaking the challenge of the Guernsey Marathon will be in recognition of how strong and amazing my big sister is.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been so generous and encouraging of my fundraising efforts.”

The Guernsey Marathon is 26.2 miles around the island's coastline.

You can contribute to Mr Le Prevost’s fundraising appeal by clicking HERE.