Islington music teacher Becky Whitlam beats Complex Regional Pain Syndrome to run London marathon
Published: 30 April, 2010
EIGHT years ago, Islington music teacher Becky Whitlam could not walk, let alone run – but on Sunday she defied the odds by completing the London Marathon, writes Emine Sinmaz.
As a teenager, Becky, 25, suffered from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSD) – a rare condition which left her in constant pain for four years and prevented her from walking without the aid of her crutches, wheelchair or walking stick.
Doctors found no explanation for Becky’s crippling pain, and even when the condition was finally diagnosed by a specialist, they were unable to find an effective treatment for her. Becky, who lives in Holloway Road, said: “I couldn’t do any sports – running the marathon was an unattainable dream.”
It moved a step closer to reality when she attended a conference for people with CRPS/RSD where they spoke of “miracle” drug Clonidine, which in patch form was found to be effective in relieving pain.
Eight years and four months of gruelling training later, Becky and husband Daniel competed in the marathon, raising £2,800 for Leonard Cheshire Disability.
Becky added: “I did it! I feel really proud of myself and it’s a great feeling knowing that the money that I helped to raise will be used to support disabled people in my local area.”