TREKKING across country carrying a passenger in a wheelchair is a gruelling test of endurance for anyone.

But despite having MS, the physical side of the Snowdonia charity challenge is not the part that is daunting father-of-three Steve Phillips.

For the 32-year-old firefighter, who was diagnosed with the condition four years ago, the biggest test will be meeting other people with the same illness.

Up until now Steve has found it easier to come to terms with his MS by dealing with it himself, relying on his wife Liz for support.

The charity challenge he takes part in this weekend, July 8 and 9, in aid of MS therapy centres which provide help and treatment for sufferers, will be the first time he has talked about his condition with others outside his own environment.

This weekend is really going to tell me whether going to a group and talking to other people is a tool I can use to help me or whether I still need to do this on my own, said Steve, who lives in Abbey Meads.

So far I have shied away from getting help to deal with my MS when I have been down. Because that generally means meeting people who have got it, and I have felt unable to do that.

I just shut it off but now I am over that. With this orienteering course I will be meeting people and that is my challenge.

Since finding out he has MS, an incurable condition which affects the nervous system, Steve has had to battle with his own feelings and to prove himself in his job as a firefighter with the Ministry of Defence.

Now Steve is undertaking the Snowdonia challenge with three of his firefighting colleagues.

For an in-depth feature on Steve's battle with MS, see the Swindon Evening Advertiser, Thursday, July 6.