By Alesha Capone
Most people wear sports gear when they take their place in a half marathon – but not Sebastien Wattelet.
He will dress in drag when he participates in the MS Melbourne half marathon, which raises funds to support people with multiple sclerosis, on March 31.
Mr Wattelet, whose wife Audrey has multiple sclerosis, will take part in the event along with 13 friends under the team name of “Not MSing around”.
Mr Wattelet said a friend “dared” him to dress in drag for the half-marathon if the team managed to raise $3000.
“A lot of friends and family thought it was a great idea, obviously a little embarrassing but everyone sees the fun side of it,” he said.
His team has already raised almost $3800, and is aiming to reach $5000.
Mr Wattelet grew up in Hoppers Crossing, and he and Audrey previously lived in Wyndham Vale.
They are renting in Melton, while building a new house for their family in Bacchus March.
Mr Wattelet described Audrey as an “amazing mother and wife” to himself, their teenage daughter and two young sons.
“She’s the soul and heart of our family and always puts everyone before herself,” he said.
Mr Wattelet said Audrey was diagnosed with MS in 2014.
He said at first, she experienced minimal symptoms, but experienced a “major flare-up” in December which had caused her to go “from a vibrant, strong, active person to not being able to walk or shower on her own”.
“Our kids have really stepped up – it’s amazing how resilient they are,” he said.
“We have also had a huge amount of help from friends and family from Wyndham and Bacchus Marsh.
“Friends have helped with cooking meals, cleaning our house and picking up and dropping of our kids occasionally.”
Members of the Royale Fitness gym in Bacchus Marsh will accompany Mr Wattelet during the half-marathon. See www.msmelbournecycle.org.au/team/6172 to make a donation to the team’s fundraising efforts.
