A BRIXINGTON mum-of-three suffering with multiple sclerosis since the age of 16, has thanked her husband carer for his love and support by sending him on a two-week trip to Japan so he could set up a martial arts school back in Exmouth.

A BRIXINGTON mum-of-three suffering with multiple sclerosis since the age of 16, has thanked her husband carer for his love and support by sending him on a two-week trip to Japan so he could set up a martial arts school back in Exmouth.Amanda Martin, 44, of Fraser Road, and her daughter Jessica, 17, secretly wrote to charity Dream-A-Way and the Multiple Sclerosis Society so martial arts enthusiast and full-time carer Nigel, 40, could train in Budo taijutsu, or ninjutso. Keen footballer Jessica said: "We did it for my dad because of what he does for my mum - and they deserved a holiday on their own." On the couple's return from Noda, north of Tokyo, where Nigel trained with the 34th grand master Masaaki Hatsumi, the Exmouth dad and fellow 5th Dan Tracy Adams opened the Budo Warriors School, which is held at 7pm-8.30pm, every Monday in gym 5, at Exmouth Community College's Gypsy Lane site. The classes are �4 for adults and �3 for children, with the first lesson free.Nigel and Tracy - one of just five females nationwide to hold the 5th Dan belt - now run a non-profit making club, passing on their skills to youngsters and adults.Nigel, who met Amanda in Samantha's night club, said the group will also teach students about the Japanese culture. He said: "We want to keep the cost low so it's affordable for the community. We hope to get sponsorship to buy things the group needs, like mats." Nigel and wheelchair bound Amanda, who have been married for 21 years, said they were touched by the Japanese culture and kindness during their fortnight away.So taken were they by the Japanese way of life, they hope to one day make a return visit."They were like my second family," said Nigel, whose interest in martial arts began when he was 12 years old. "People were so friendly and everyone was taking an interest in Amanda."People almost went out of their way to do things for us."The training was unbelievable. It was hard work, but it was worth it. Training with the grand master was mind-blowing."Tracy and I have both still got 10 grades to go. We are martial arts practitioners and still learning. We are just passing on what we know."If you would like to join the club, or become a sponsor, contact Mr Martin on 07803127107.