Three Years Ago I Couldn't Walk, But I've Just Run The London Marathon

Before I get to the end of the race let me briefly tell you about the beginning. My journey to running the marathon started three years ago when I was diagnosed with stage four mouth and throat cancer. During surgery, I died twice on the operating table, and aggressive radiotherapy meant I developed motor neurone disease.

I said I would finish the London Marathon, no matter what - and I did it.

Before I get to the end of the race let me briefly tell you about the beginning. My journey to running the marathon started three years ago when I was diagnosed with stage four mouth and throat cancer. During surgery, I died twice on the operating table, and aggressive radiotherapy meant I developed motor neurone disease.

I had tears in my eyes when I saw that medal at the end, the sense of self achievement is phenomenal and really indescribable. I don't think I'll ever experience something like that day again.

Ten miles into Sunday's marathon I got a stress fracture in my right foot and if it wasn't for the crowd I wouldn't have made it round. It was extremely painful and I had to alternate between jogging and walking for the remaining 16 miles. It was the crowd and the other runners that helped me focus and block out the feeling in my foot.

It was very frustrating that after all these months of training I got injured during the marathon itself, but I still finished it - so I am buzzing, and I'm sure I will be for a while to come.

I had runners coming up and encouraging me, telling me not to give up, and I could constantly hear the crowds spurring everyone on and applauding. The atmosphere at the London Marathon is out of this world - Londoners are amazing people, they really showed their support.

People in the crowds were giving out drinks, sweets and cheering every single passing person. You have to experience it to know what it was like, and I would recommend it to anyone. I guarantee you'll never have such a rush of emotions and adrenaline in such a short space of time.

It took me just over seven hours to complete the course, but with the adrenaline pumping it seemed like ten minutes. The whole day up until the finish line, passed so quickly - which sounds unbelievable seeing as the last half of the race was very slow and painful.

I don't like to be thought of as an inspiration and meeting so many people with such moving stories was very humbling. Some of the people I met who were also running for Scope just blew me away, and all the runners from all charities were very supportive of one another- so many amazing people.

I think the only way to describe a day like that and talking to the people you meet, is just that is was all so 'real'- and it really puts life into perspective.

I do feel proud of myself, and what I have achieved. Three years ago I was very ill and I couldn't walk, and now I have run the marathon. I don't think I ever would have foreseen this happening back then. Scope has been a great support over the past six months, training has been tough and the team have been there to encourage all the runners throughout.

I want people to sign up and take part next year and experience what this weekend was like for me. You have to live it to appreciate it, and it's so worth it.

Find out more about Scope's running events and taking part in next year's marathon for the charity.

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