Defying the Odds: Anji's London Marathon Journey with MS
Introduction
When Anji was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2019 at just 29 years old, she could hardly have imagined that a few years later she would be crossing the finish line of the London Marathon. Yet through determination, support, and the right mobility aids, she accomplished exactly that—proving that disability need not define one's limits.
The Diagnosis Journey
Anji's journey with MS began in 2018 when her GP initially diagnosed her condition, which was later confirmed by a neurologist in 2019. Not long after marrying her wife Asha, Anji started experiencing an unusual sensation—something that felt like an eyelash stuck in her eye that simply wouldn't go away.
After a series of tests, an MRI scan revealed lesions that confirmed her MS diagnosis. Looking back, Anji recalls always being somewhat clumsy as a child, which doctors now believe may have been an early symptom of the condition.
Following her diagnosis with Relapsing-Remitting MS, Anji opted to begin Disease Modifying Therapy (DMT). Her treatment regime consists of twice-yearly hospital visits in London, where the medication is administered via a drip. She can tell when her next treatment is due as her symptoms—pins and needles, fatigue, and slowed thinking and movement—become more pronounced.
Finding Support and Giving Back
MS-UK has been an invaluable source of support for Anji since her diagnosis. When they first approached her about running the London Marathon a few years ago, she didn't feel ready for such a challenge. However, when they asked again last year, something had changed—she felt prepared to take it on.
Anji's friends Nicky and Darren Cook, who run Scruffy Bear Media, offered to join her marathon journey and document it for a film. This support network expanded when MS-UK initially suggested she have a "buddy" after her diagnosis—enter Steve, whom Anji affectionately refers to as her "MS Dad." Steve was among the many friends and family members cheering her on during the marathon.
Anji firmly believes that a positive mindset makes a tremendous difference and describes herself as having a "glass half full attitude."
Training and Preparation
Fitness hadn't always been central to Anji's routine. Although she used to swim, she lost her passion for it after her diagnosis. Once her marathon place was confirmed, she began training primarily through walking, wisely deciding to allow herself more than double the usual preparation time.
"I hated running and still do," Anji admits candidly. Initially, she walked with a walking stick, but this led to hip soreness. Thinking practically about both posture support and having somewhere to rest when needed, Anji realised a rollator might be the solution.
After looking at local options that she found "heavy, cumbersome and old fashioned," Anji discovered Assist Mobility and the byACRE Carbon Ultralight rollator. This proved to be a game-changer.
To prepare for London, Anji completed the Kettering half marathon in March 2025. "It was hard going—I didn't realise how hilly the area was until I was doing it," she recalls. "But the Ultralight really helped and coped well with the challenge."
The Right Equipment Makes All the Difference
When asked about her initial thoughts on receiving the byACRE Ultralight rollator in British Racing Green, Anji praised its lightness and ease of use, especially compared to models she had previously tried. "It opens and closes with ease, glides across surfaces, and is handy to have somewhere to sit when needed. It's also easy to transport in a car and on public transport."
The rollator's ultralight design specifically helped with her condition during training and on marathon day. "It helped with posture and allowed me to walk further, strengthening muscles," Anji explains. The practical features proved invaluable too: "The handy daypack meant not having to worry about leaving my stuff like you would normally have to do when doing a marathon."
She utilised the storage to carry water, spare trainers, and even battery chargers for the documentary film crew accompanying her. The organiser bag proved perfect for running gels and her mobile phone.
As Anji also experiences vertigo, "having the rollator helped with balance," she notes. In a touching moment during the race, she was given a bunch of flowers, and found "the seat handle was the perfect place to put them," providing a lovely boost to her spirits.
Race Day Challenges and Triumphs
The London Marathon is known for its challenging course, but Anji found her rollator performed admirably throughout. "I didn't have any issues with road surfaces," she reports. Canary Wharf, with its quieter atmosphere and fewer crowds, proved tough mentally, but the Ultralight handled the ups and downs of the course with ease.
She noted that the terrain during her Kettering half marathon preparation had actually been tougher, with more gravel, yet the Ultralight had coped well there too. The most challenging surface on marathon day was "dewy grass before the start," but even then, "the Ultralight coped fine, just took a bit more effort to push."
Anji credits the rollator with preventing falls when other runners accidentally knocked into her. "There were a couple of occasions where runners tripped and knocked into me, the rollator prevented me from falling," she explains.
The Incredible Atmosphere
The reaction from spectators and other runners was overwhelmingly positive. "Lots of positive comments and lots of encouragement," Anji recalls. "Marathon day atmosphere was amazing."
When asked about inclusivity at the event, Anji noted that she got her place through the Disability ballot, a scheme only developed two years ago. "They don't claim it's perfect but made a difference with what was put in place, and they are continuing to develop it further," she explains.
The organisers offered parking close to the start but Anji requested a pass for the end point, which worked better for her needs. Other inclusive arrangements included "longer staggered wave start times for medical needs, St John's Ambulance support, and disabled toilets throughout the course."
A Message to Others with Mobility Challenges
When asked what she would say to someone with MS or similar conditions who might be hesitant about setting ambitious physical goals, Anji's advice is clear: "Don't let anything stop you. Always ask for help and use the support that is offered—there is plenty of support if you look for it."
Anji had set herself the goal of completing the marathon in under 9 hours and achieved it with a couple of minutes to spare—a testament to her determination and planning.
Looking to the Future
How did Anji celebrate her remarkable achievement? "There was a sense of relief and achievement," she says. She celebrated with the MS-UK team that were there before making "the long trip home and a time to recover."
As for future challenges, Anji admits that at mile 14, she started to doubt her choices and thought "never again." However, now that some time has passed, and with Steve expressing interest in participating, she's considering doing the London Marathon again "in 3 to 5 years." She even dreams of doing a skydive someday, though her vertigo currently makes that impossible.
Life Improvements Beyond the Marathon
The benefits of the Ultralight rollator have extended well beyond marathon training for Anji. Although she has a wheelchair, she's only used it once this year. Six years ago, during a relapse, she lost the use of her legs for a couple of weeks, but thankfully hasn't experienced a repeat since then.
Anji now plans to take her Ultralight on trains when she travels to work in London, believing it will give her peace of mind with her vertigo. She's also found it useful at the race track, where "the seat comes in handy when she needs to rest."
There's even been a positive influence on others in her life. Anji's father-in-law, who sadly passed away last summer, was initially reluctant to use a rollator, but once he tried the Ultralight, he "found it beneficial and was happy to use it."
After experiencing hip alignment issues when training with a walking stick, Anji began seeing an Osteopath. She reports that "using the Ultralight when needed has helped correct posture and puts a lot less pressure" on her body.
Conclusion
Anji's London Marathon journey is more than just an inspiring story—it's a powerful demonstration of how the right attitude, support network, and adaptive equipment can help overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Her experience shows that with determination, physical limitations need not be barriers to achieving ambitious goals.
For the retired community, Anji's story serves as a reminder that age and health conditions need not define what's possible. Whether facing mobility challenges yourself or supporting loved ones who do, her journey illuminates the path toward living life to its fullest potential.
Learn More About Anji's Rollator
Keen to learn more about Anji's British Racing Green Ultralight?
