A WOMAN who thought she could never run again is to tackle a marathon dressed as a children's TV character.
Ellen Clegg, 27, from Isleworth, will be lacing up her trainers and donning a homemade Cookie Monster outfit, to take part in her first ever London Marathon on April 22.
The exams coordinator at the College of Optometrists will be raising money for Fight for Sight, a sight loss charity, she can battle her Hypermobility Syndrome, a painful joint disabling condition.
She said: "Since being diagnosed with Hypermobility, a few years ago, I was told I might have a problem with walking, let alone running. But I took it up anyway and got a bit addicted to it.
"I have run a 10 K before but thought I would like to challenge myself more. I have been training with my boyfriend, and he and my friends say it is amazing what I am doing, though they think I am completely mad."
Too add to the pressure Miss Clegg is making her own costume.
She added: "Working at the College of Optometrists has made me realise how debilitating eye disease can be. I’d like to do as much as possible to help make sight loss a thing of the past.”
Julian Jackson, Director of Development and Marketing at Fight for Sight, said: “Ellen is really going the extra mile to raise vital funds for the charity, and we very much hope to see her crossing the finish line in her Cookie Monster costume. Through her support, we will be able to do even more to bring hope to millions of people living with sight loss.”
To support Ellen, visit www.justgiving.com/Ellen-Clegg .
