A READING resident with a rare condition is taking on the London Marathon for the first time in aid of charity.
Kelly Doe, 37, is raising money for Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, after the partner of a close friend was supported by the charity in the lead up to his death.
Now Ms Doe is gearing up to participate in the London Marathon later this month, after having run in multiple Reading Half events, and has raised more than £7,350 so far.
She was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease, a rare condition which causes the adrenal glands to stop working, meaning her body doesn’t produce enough Aldosterone or Cortisol.
These are essential hormones for body function, with Cortisol playing a part in controlling blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and the metabolism of glucose, and Aldosterone helping to balance water and salts in the kidneys.
It means that Ms Doe relies on steroids as hormone replacement to maintain her body’s stability, but is susceptible to an adrenal crisis if she falls ill.
She explained that she has been training for a full marathon for 9 years, building her fitness up to the level she needs.
Ms Doe said: “London Marathon will be my first marathon, I have done the Reading Half numerous times and last year I felt the fittest I have ever been, so I decided it was now or never.
“I got to know [friend] Fiona’s husband Steve through running events–he would always be there with us supporting at every race and we soon also became good friends.
“Steve was such a kind and caring person. I want to give something back for the exceptional care he received.”
Speaking about her condition, she explained: “When you put your body under any unusual stress whether physical or mental, the demand for these hormones increases.
“Fortunately, the steroids have kept my condition very stable, but I am all too aware how quickly things can change. Just picking up a simple sickness bug could lead to a life-threatening situation known as an adrenal crisis.
“Friends and family have nagged me for years to enter a marathon and had I not been diagnosed with Addison’s, I probably would have run one by now–but it’s taken nine years to build up my fitness to a level that I am confident in my body’s ability to finally go for it.
“That said, I am still taking every step of this marathon journey carefully, making sure to gradually increase the training load so that my body adapts and is not shocked by the increased mileage.”
Her friend Fiona Holloway said of the palliative care her husband received: “To describe Sue Ryder’s support, it is like being given the biggest, most reassuring and genuine hug.
“The staff looked after Steve with compassion and great care, and also looked after me which I really needed–nothing was too much for them.”
She added: “I am so inspired by Kelly taking on the London Marathon and also raising more than £7,000–as well as working, she manages a rare illness which she doesn’t let hold her back in achieving her goals.
“Saying thank you to both Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice and to Kelly doesn’t feel like enough, but I am so grateful.”
Sue Ryder provides palliative and end-of-life care as well as bereavement support, with more information available via: sueryder.org
More information about Kelly Doe’s fundraising is available via her JustGiving page at: justgiving.com/page/kellyrunslondon
The London Marathon takes place on Sunday, April 21.
