Mum's Memory Inspires Bedfordshire Marathon Runner

Author: Deafness Research UK
Published: 11 Apr 2009 - Updated: 18 Apr 2009

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Overview - Related Content

Synopsis

Mum lived with profound deafness from her teenage years until she was 62 when she had a cochlear implant fitted.

Overview

Her mother's profound deafness has inspired Maxine Marshall of Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire to run the London Marathon for Deafness Research UK.

After two failed attempts to enter the marathon previously, Maxine decided that this year she would enter and run for Deafness Research UK, who had provided some support during her mum's life.

Maxine's mum had a reaction to medication she was prescribed to treat an illness as a teenager, which left her profoundly deaf. Maxine recalls:

"Mum lived with profound deafness from her teenage years until she was 62 when she had a cochlear implant fitted. Before that it was really difficult for her trying to raise three small children and being deaf. She couldn't just let us play in the garden or generally allow us to be just out of sight because of her disability and that made it really tough for her. Mum suffered with depression at times and I'm sure that this was in part due to the struggle of looking after three small children with a disability."

Maxine's mum passed away seven years ago and Maxine is delighted to be able to support Deafness Research UK by running the Marathon. She said: "I know mum got some comfort from Deafness Research UK and so it is great to be able to give something back and raise money for a cause which is close to my heart. The sponsorship is going well and I'm really confident that I will raise over £1500 pounds which I will be really happy with. "

Maxine has been training with a friend who is also supporting a charity and they have both been taking the training seriously. Maxine said: "The furthest we have run so far is 20 miles which we did in three hours and 13 minutes and we've also joined a running club. It's not really important about how long it takes us on the day I just want to finish on both feet! I have got lots of support from friends who are making their way down to London. I'm looking forward to it and I will definitely carry on running afterwards."