Comedian Rosie Jones is set to conquer the TCS London Marathon with a little help from her friend and fellow comedian Ivo Graham, who will be pushing her in a buggy due to her ataxic cerebral palsy.
The 33-year-old star opened up about how she had to overcome "internalised ableism" that previously deterred her from using mobility aids. Rosie shared with the PA news agency: "It has always been my dream to take part in the London Marathon, but to be honest, I'm too lazy to train."
She added: "So when Ivo offered the opportunity for me to sit there and be pushed for the entire thing, I thought 'Why not? '." She continued, revealing her past struggles: "My internalised ableism stopped me from using mobility aids for a long time as I thought it would be me 'giving up.'" However, Rosie's perspective has shifted: "But I now realise that they can enhance my life and make me more independent."
The use of mobility aids has been transformative for Rosie, positively affecting her mental health and self-perception as someone with a physical disability. Ataxic cerebral palsy, which is characterised by shaky movements and poor balance, is the least common form of cerebral palsy, notes NHS Inform.
She was previously deterred from using mobility aids due to 'internalised ableism' (giveasyoulive.com)
She discussed her enthusiasm about taking part in the marathon (Mike Marsland/WireImage)Rosie expressed her enthusiasm and the deeper significance of participating in the marathon: "To be able take part and raise money for Up The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement means so much to me." She also highlighted the importance of recognising the "I also think it's important to raise awareness of the brilliant mobility aids out there that make it possible for people like me to take part in such an iconic event."
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In the run-up to their marathon challenge, the pair braved the elements, completing a half marathon in Victoria Park, London, with Jones cheering through a megaphone amidst the downpour.
Graham, aged 33, shared his heartfelt motivation: "My previous marathons have meant a huge amount, feeling that I'm representing both my parents, my mum through the MS Society, and my dad, who got us all into running in the first place, and also joined us in the rain at Victoria Park."
He added, "This year, I have the pressure but also, crucially, the joy, of running it for Rosie, of it being her first marathon, and feeling that alongside her, we're hopefully representing a great number of people out there whose lives are affected by disability, who might be well served already by the wonderful work of the MS Society or Up The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement, or who might now decide that they can do a marathon if they can just pressure an able-bodied pal into pushing them."
The dynamic duo is supporting two charities close to their hearts: Up The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement, which aims to amplify the voices within the CP community, and the MS Society, which provides support to those affected by multiple sclerosis. Supporters can make donations online at: giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/rosie-and-ivo-smash-the-marathon.
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