Meet Charlotte, one of this year’s #EOTNambassadors. Charlotte is taking part in the Half Marathon, warming up in the 5K on the Saturday night too! Here’s her inspirational story:
I absolutely love encouraging others to get involved with Running. I’ve volunteered at Sunderland City Half Marathon and Durham City Run and I love the ethos of the events.
I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a rare bone condition which affects an estimated 5000 people in the UK. There is no cure at present and it means that I can break my bones easily (I’ve had around 50 fractures) I’ve always been sporty but at School, I was initially discouraged as everyone thought I couldn’t do it or wouldn’t be any good.
I discovered Running about 7 years ago, after I accepting that I couldn’t play Football anymore due to the Fractures that I’d had whilst playing. I just started off Running down the street and then got further and built it up from there.
I have completed the Great North Run 5 times as well as other half marathons. I’ve also completed 3 full marathons including London and I’m currently training for Paris Marathon in April 2019.
I completed my first half marathon (Great North Run) in 2hrs 43 minutes. My half marathon pb is now currently 1 hour 59 minutes and 58 seconds.
As I have a hidden disability I believe that it is important that everyone can access Running and believe that they can give it ago.
Since I started Running, the rate of having fractures has slowed down significantly and my Consultant is really happy.
I am so proud to be an Event Ambassador for Events of the North, share my story and motivate others to run and take part in the upcoming Running events.
