A disabled woman from Highgate hopes to change attitudes and expectations by taking on a half-marathon.
Lucy Wimmer, 33, of Highgate West Hill, has cerebral palsy, and said she would always try to avoid PE lessons at school in case her classmates noticed her disability.
But now she is now set to take part in the Brighton Half Marathon next month to raise money for disability charity, Scope, after only starting to run 18 months ago.
“Growing up with cerebral palsy had its challenges,” she said. “I dreaded school sports day and the sports I did participate in, such as horse- riding, didn’t require me to walk or run.
“Who wants to be asked whether they’re limping or if they’ve injured themselves when you thought, or at least hoped, that no one really noticed?
“But as I got older I realised how incredibly lucky I am to have legs that I could run and walk with. Many people with cerebral palsy are unable to move unaided. So I decided it was time to get over my insecurities and start running.”
Ms Wimmer, who is director of corporate communications for a technology company called DataSift, started her running career with a 5km Park Run on Hampstead Heath.
She then quickly progressed to 10km runs, taking part in challenges across the capital.
But she said the upcoming half marathon will be her “biggest challenge yet”.
She added: “I want other people that feel limited by cerebral palsy – particularly children – to realise that you can participate in sport.
“You can not only be good at sport, but you can enjoy it and if you don’t care about your cerebral palsy, why should anyone else?”
Lucy is one of a team of runners tackling the 13-mile course who are raising money for Scope.
Emily Worsley, head of events at Scope, says: “Too often people assume that being disabled means you can’t play sport or get fit. Lucy shows that this simply is not the case.
“A huge thanks to Lucy and all our Team Scope runners for taking part in this fantastic event and helping us continue our life-changing work with disabled people and their families.
“We wish everyone the best of luck on the day and we’ll see you at the finish line for a hero’s welcome at our post-race reception.”
To take part in a fundraising event for Scope, visit the website.
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