Paralympian meets his match... and says 'I do' at wedding

PARALYMPIC multi-gold medallist Lee Pearson felt as nervous preparing to wed partner Mark Latham as he does competing for his country.

The couple tied the knot in front of friends and family at a civil ceremony at Ashbourne Town Hall on Saturday.

And 36-year-old dressage star Lee, from Cheddleton, arrived in style, driving a bright yellow Lambourghini sports car and dressed in a white suit, black shirt and white tie.

Essex-born Mark, a 30-year-old firefighter, got to the venue in a four-by-four, wearing a grey suit, crisp white shirt and black tie.

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As they stood in front of the crowd to deliver their vows, Lee was accompanied by chief bridesmaid Paulina Ciechacka, while Mark was joined by sister Katherine Holland.

Nine-time Paralympic gold medal winner Lee said: "I was nervous when I was getting ready. It was similar to when I am representing my country.

"Then I thought, it's not a competition, I'm doing something I want to do. After that, I felt okay."

He added afterwards: "The ceremony was lovely. It went better than I expected. We didn't have anything to do with most of the service.

"When we had been joined as partners, I felt relief I was finally Mark's husband. It was wonderful."

Lee is hoping his commitment to Mark will give inspiration to other gay men.

He added: "I'm disabled and gay – there's quite a few social differences there.

"I don't set out to be a spokesperson, but I'm aware me just living my life and getting on with things does inspire others."

Mark said: "It went really well. We both wrote our own vows and I spoke about love and commitment and trust.

"It was really nice and I'm really happy."

Lee's mother Lynda, aged 61, said: "It's been really nice, the service was lovely. Mark is lovely and I will treat him like he's one of my own."

After the ceremony, around 400 guests celebrated the union at Lee's brother's farm in Basford Green, Cheddleton.

Among famous faces on the guest list were Anthony Head, star of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Merlin and Little Britain, who arrived with his partner Sarah Fisher.

He said: "I met Lee at the Children of Courage awards, we always hang around together at those lunches.

"We've known him for ages and it's great to help Lee and Mark celebrate."

The couple were planning to book a honeymoon today.

And, in a month's time, Lee will compete in the World Equestrian Championships, in Kentucky, in the U.S.