Kelsey Sheridan, a 28-year-old software engineer from Middleton, Greater Manchester, is gearing up to participate in the adidas Manchester Marathon 2025 – her first marathon event – after she lost mobility and had to learn to walk again last year.

Reflecting on her experience, Kelsey said “I first became unwell in the summer of 2016, during my first year of university. By the time I returned to my second-year studies after the holidays, I was in a wheelchair, as I’d been diagnosed with CFS/ME”.

CFS/ME – also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – is a complex condition, with a key symptom being PEM (Post Exertional Malaise), in which a person’s existing symptoms are made worse by a disproportionate amount of activity. Symptoms range from fatigue and a headache to something far more severe, such as heart palpitations or even fainting.

Kelsey explains: “Before diagnosis I struggled with varying symptoms. When I was younger, I could never sleep enough or wake up for school. This continued until my 20s. I struggled with exhaustion but originally these symptoms were thought to be caused by depression.

“Despite being diagnosed with long-term illness CFS/ME, I still graduated in 2018; however, I was unable to work, or even leave the house, without my assistance dog Hamble.”

Kelsey’s assistance dog, a labrador retriever named Hamble, played a key role in her recovery: “We have a very special relationship. Hamble is the easiest dog I have ever known, she will do absolutely anything for a piece of carrot and praise. She likes to be near me, and other humans generally – which includes sitting on strangers’ feet in lifts!”

Speaking about her experience with assistance dog Hamble, Kelsey explains:

“When Hamble and I were first partnered by charity Canine Partners in 2019, I was a full-time wheelchair user who was mainly housebound. I constantly in survival-mode and was felt like I’d never be able to recover.

“Hamble is trained to support those with mobility issues and for me this was taking shoes, socks and clothing off. Fetching items, emptying the washing machine, passing me anything I ask for and fetching items like shoes or the tv remote.

“With Hamble’s help, I was able to slowly rebuild my strength and mobility. It was a tough period to say the least, but I’m so grateful to say that in November 2023, I was finally able to put down my crutches and walk freely again.”

In June 2024, Kelsey was able to enjoy her first run since losing her mobility, and she hasn’t looked back since.

“I chose to run the adidas Manchester Marathon to mark a significant milestone in my recovery journey. Having full mobility is something I really took for granted before I lost my ability to walk, and it’s something that I make a conscious effort to celebrate – even on the bad days.”

The sold-out adidas Manchester Marathon takes place on Sunday 27th April 2025, and Kelsey is feeling positive about her preparation for event day so far.

“I’m feeling excited and nervous all at the same time! Hamble is a big motivator – she loves our runs and is always by my side to give me confidence that I will be okay and that I can push myself to achieve my goals.

“The adidas Manchester Marathon is my local event, in the city where I lost and ultimately regained my mobility. It’s my first marathon, and I’d absolutely love to achieve a sub-five-hour finish time if possible.”

Speaking to others who may be in a similar situation to her, Kelsey is keen to convey a message of hope.

“With CFS/ME, there’s no right way to manage it for everyone. The truth is, medications and slow rehab may work for some, but not others.

“My advice to anyone who’s lost their mobility due to health reasons would be to just keep going and think positively but allow yourself the bad days. We never know what the future might bring, so focus on the present and enjoy every moment.”

Thank you for sharing your story Kelsey, and we wish you every success in the event!