Victoria is running because she injured her spinal cord I love a good challenge, and to make the most of opportunities that come my family’s way. As a horse rider, I was invited to do a charity flat race at Newmarket in 2014, and after been told by someone that I couldn't do it, becaus I wasn’t a good enough rider, I of course accepted the challenge. I trained hard, gained sponsorship and had probably the best day of my life. I was very fit, so went on to do a charity marathon and then a charity ultra whilst my fitness was high. Unfortunately, I then had an accident whilst jumping. My horse got brought down by the jump and cut all of her chest open. I fell off, landed on my chin and did a forward roll facing outwards. I knew I had injured my spinal cord; I couldn’t feel or move my arms. I was out with my children, the youngest ran over shouting “Mummy Mummy are you dead?” I’ve been so exceptionally lucky. Fast forward I just have minimal pins and needles in one hand, I drop things occasionally and have times when I’m clumsy with my balance. My arm strength is back and I live a completely ‘normal’ life. When I was fit enough I started running again, being very fearful that I would trip, then I started riding again. Starting cycling was hard especially with drop handlebars. I did a couple of sprint triathlons, the three peak challenge, then 15 milers in the peak district in readiness for the Welsh SAS Fan Dance which I completed 30 seconds within the time. I now feel fit enough to help a charity and know that I wasn’t going to be a liability. Spurred on by my daughter getting a ballot place in the London Marathon I got in touch with Aspire, the only charity that I wanted to run for. I had previously been a physio at the London Marathon and it has always been a dream to take part. Training has been okay, although I injured my knee skiing last January which niggled a lot during September and November. I horse ride and go to the gym and hope I have a reasonable fitness level. I’m always trying to encourage my clients to be as active as possible. I also farm, so did have to have three weeks off training as I was far too busy with my 300 sheep. This has made tapering a strange concept! Doing the marathon training has really brought to mind how lucky I was. I am really looking forward to race day, just being a part of it, watching and feeling everyone’s excitement; the hope at the beginning and the relief and pride at the end. Watching the friendships and comradely through the gruelling distance. Sponsor Victoria Running events How we help Manage Cookie Preferences