Unlucky for some, but not Beccy! Fitness fanatic takes on marathon number 13

The 46-year-old fitness fanatic has raised £12,000 for charity, despite suffering from a neurological disorder that gives her muscle spasms.

For this year's event on April 26, Beccy, of Brewood, is supporting a charity that looks after people with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

It is a neurological condition which slowly robs people of the ability to walk, talk, feed themselves or communicate.

She said her own struggles had given her an insight into the challenge that sufferers face in the day-to-day lives.

Her marathon career began in 2001 – and she has only missed one London run since then due to injury.

This dedication saw her chosen to carry the Olympic Torch when it passed through Wolverhampton in 2012.

Beccy, who is a scout leader in Brewood, trains most days and says she is determined not to let the dystonia she suffers from get in her way.

When she first signed up for the marathon, she never expected to keep returning year after year. But she said the 'incredible' support from the crowds lining the streets and the buzz of crossing the finishing line means she is more committed than ever.

She said: "The experience is unbelievable. It's hard work but it is worth every single minute.

"The support you get from the thousands of people watching is incredible.

"When you feel that sense of exhilaration when you cross that line down the Mall after 26.2 miles every ache and pain is forgotten and you just want to jump for joy."

As part of her condition, Beccy's right leg is shorter than her left, and spasms can make muscles in her legs and arms suddenly tighten up.

This inevitably makes running difficult, but she clocked up a personal best time of four hours 23 minutes five years ago, and regularly breaks the five-hour mark.

Apart from the occasional half marathon in Birmingham and Stafford, she mainly focuses on the London event as it puts so much strain on her body.

This year she will be carrying a 'Hope the Bear' toy on her back, which is a mascot for the PSP Association she is supporting.

She said: "I can only manage one marathon a year really because my conditions can cause a few problems.

"My aim this year is just to finish as I've been recovering from a hamstring and back injury. I'm getting a running kit made for Hope so she can be a part of the action too."

"Every marathon is a challenge, I'm hoping Hope the Bear will be able to bring a bit of luck and awareness for such a worthy cause."

Despite taking part in the event every year, she says there are so many people there that she has never seen anyone she recognises.

AThough it can take her weeks to recover from the huge toll the run puts on her body, she says the London Marathon is a highlight of her year.

She added: "I did it for the physical challenge the first time and just to be able to say I have done it.

"It is a challenge for me and my disability and I'm also motivated to raise money for a charity that needs more awareness."

"I was really struck by just how debilitating this condition can be and wanted to do something to help.

"I'm really looking forward to taking on this challenge with Hope. I'd like to have her facing out towards the other runners while she's strapped onto my back, so the people behind me can see her."

The PSP Association has charity places available for the London Marathon 2016. For details or to sign up, email marathon@pspassociation.org.uk or call 01327 356 132.

To sponsor Beccy, visit uk.virginmoney giving.com and search for her name.