My workout: ‘I thought I’d never run again’

I took up running in my late 30s, to get fit. I soon joined a club and loved getting out and running with other people. In my 40th year, I took on the Plymouth half-marathon and really enjoyed seeing how far I could push myself.

The following year, I was halfway through training to run it again when I developed a chest infection, which progressed into necrotising fasciitis – a flesh-eating bug that started in my right calf, destroying all the healthy tissue. I was in intensive care for 11 days and not expected to survive. My leg was amputated above the knee.

I thought my life was over, and certainly didn’t think I’d run again. My muscles had deteriorated to the extent that I couldn’t even lift a spoon to my mouth. But once I got out of hospital and started to regain my strength, I realised I could do things. A month later, I was back in the gym, though I could use the exercise bike for only about a minute and a half before I was exhausted. It was like starting over. But I built my fitness up and was eventually fitted with a prosthetic leg.

Now my running leg is a blade. The first time I saw it, it looked terrifying. I’d seen Paralympians using them, but it took a lot of confidence to trust that it wasn’t going to collapse under me. You don’t actually feel anything as you run, other than a bit of pressure from the foot landing on the ground. You need good core strength to stay balanced and upright, and it takes about 70% more energy to run as an above-the-knee amputee as I have to swing my stump forward to move the whole leg.

But it’s all worth it. Running keeps me fit and healthy, and I love being able to just go – get outside, see the scenery. A few months ago I ran the Plymouth 10k – my first 10k since becoming an amputee runner. A couple of years ago that would have been unthinkable. I’m so lucky I can run and will never take for granted what I’ve achieved.

My weekend workout

How often do you run? Two or three times a week – I get a lot of blistering and rubbing on my stump, so have to allow time for my skin to heal.
Favourite route? In the woods near home, sticking to cycle paths as they have fewer things I could trip over.
Secret weapon? Beetroot juice.

Five ways to get started

1 If you’re an amputee and want to start running, find a coach who has experience of working with disabled athletes. Make sure they take the time to understand your particular strengths and weaknesses.

2 You may need to protect your skin. I stick four blister plasters on my stump – one on top of the other – where the rubbing occurs.

3 Always have a goal, but be realistic. If you’re starting with a disability, forget what you used to be able to do – you’re starting from scratch. Set yourself an achievable goal, then once you’ve done it, set the next one.

4 I was really proud to be asked to take part in the This Girl Can campaign, which is about the fact that it doesn’t matter what you look like or what your capability is, there’s an activity out there for everybody. It doesn’t matter how good you are, either, as long as you enjoy it. Just have a go.

5 Age is no barrier to taking up exercise. If you start later in life, it’ll take a bit longer to get used to it, but in the long term, being physically active will keep you feeling younger and more energetic.

Essential kit

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