Former ME sufferer to run two marathons (From Malvern Gazette)

Former ME sufferer to run two marathons

9:47am Monday 1st February 2010 in News By Tarik Al Rasheed

A FORMER ME sufferer from Malvern will be running two marathons in the space of two weeks to raise money and awareness for the debilitating illness.

Christina Conner, of Lea Hill Close, will be tackling both the Paris and London Marathons this April in support of Action for ME.

Mrs Conner’s ME, which was triggered by a bout of glandular fever, lasted for five years, of which she spent two completely bed-ridden.

She had to drop out of law school and move back in with her parents, who looked after her as she suffered with dreadful and constant fatigue, temperatures and flu-like symptoms.

Her recovery started after a tonsillectomy, but it was a long, slow road that saw her having to re-learn some of the basic skills that others take for granted.

The 36 year old has now been free from ME for nine years and wanted to run a marathon to help others suffering as she had done.

When she discovered that the ME Association had filled its allocation of places for the London Marathon she instead signed up for the Paris event. However when a spot in the London run became available she decided to go for it and enter both.

“I think if it had been for any other charity then I wouldn’t be taking on both, but this is something I really want to support,” she said. “One of the major reasons I want to run these marathons is to prove to others with ME that you can get better and lead a normal life again.”

Mrs Conner is a keen runner and has taken part in half-marathons before, but she expects the two events to be quite a challenge.

“I think it will be something that I will be able to enjoy once it is all finished,” she added.

She is hoping to raise £2,000 for the ME Association and anyone who would like to sponsor her can do so by visiting justgiving.com/Christina-Conner1