Wheelchair user Nicole Evans to WALK London marathon over four days!

A young wheelchair user from Harold Hill has vowed to complete this summer’s London marathon - by WALKING it in four days!

Six weeks ago 25-year-old Nicole Evans - who has cerebral palsy - was only able to struggle two miles a week by foot, but after intense training she can now complete eight miles in a single day.

Nicole, from Hitchin Close, developed the muscle disease when she was born and has relied on a wheelchair to get around ever since.

She said: “It seemed an impossible task at the start but I really wanted to complete the marathon, so Andrew, my personal trainer, put together a training program, now I’m walking eight miles in a single day.

“I spend 12 hours going out walking with Andrew and training for the long distances. I have to keep up with the times and to make sure I progress I go to the gym.”

Nicole hopes to complete April’s titan challenge in four days, resting at home overnight.

Despite her disability, Nicole has always been determined to excel in sport.

At just 18, she had completed three wheelchair mini London marathons.

She has also coached for Havering Sports Development, a council initiative to encourage more people to partake in sports, and completed a degree with honours in sports studies.

Nicole hopes to raise �1,500 for the charity Interactive, which supports equality in sports and influences those who govern sport to view disabled people as equals.

Shelly Evans, Nicole’s mum, said: “It’s amazing how she has progressed - Andrew has done an incredible job. It goes to show disability doesn’t have to hold you back.”

To sponsor Nicole, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/walk_beyond.

You can also find more information about the work Interactive does at www.interactive.uk.net.