Rosie Jones on overcoming her ‘internalised ableism’ to take on London Marathon
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Comedian Rosie Jones, who is using a buggy to complete the TCS London Marathon, has said her “internalised ableism” previously stopped her from using mobility aids.
The 33-year-old, who has ataxic cerebral palsy, is completing the long-distance race on Sunday with fellow stand-up comic Ivo Graham, who will be pushing her in a Delta Buggy.
She told 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.
“So when Ivo offered the opportunity for me to sit there and be pushed for the entire thing, I thought ‘Why not?’.
“My internalised ableism stopped me from using mobility aids for a long time as I thought it would be me ‘giving up.’
“But I now realise that they can enhance my life and make me more independent.
“This has had a hugely positive impact on my mental health and how I see myself as a person with a physical disability.”
Ataxic cerebral palsy is the least common type of cerebral palsy and is identified by shaky movement and poor balance, according to NHS Inform.
Jones added: “To be able take part and raise money for Up – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement means so much to me.
“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.”
In preparation for the big day the duo completed a half marathon together in Victoria Park, London, with the rain pouring and Jones shouting from a megaphone.
Graham, 33, said: “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.
“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 pair are raising money for charities Up – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement, which is “getting the voice of the CP community heard”, and the MS Society, which helps people who have multiple sclerosis. Donations can be made at: giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/rosie-and-ivo-smash-the-marathon
