Paralysed woman completes wheelchair marathon around Milton Keynes shopping centre

A woman who has been paralysed since the age of 16 has completed her fundraising wheelchair marathon around Milton Keynes’ shopping centre.

Sharon Mynard dedicated her marathon effort around centre:mk to the memory of champion showman Rory Gilsenan, who died earlier this year from a brain tumour.

She is hoping to raise £10,000 for the national charity Brain Tumour Research in Milton Keynes.

The 53-year-old, who broke her neck in a riding accident, leaving her a tetraplegic, had to postpone her original attempt earlier this year due to the pandemic.

Speaking after the fundraiser, Sharon, who lives near Aylesbury where she also has a stud and livery yard, said: “My marathon went better than I anticipated, probably helped by all the training I did around my yard which stood me in good stead when I was doing laps outside centre:mk, where the ground is very uneven.

"I completed 13 laps inside before having to move outside when the centre became busy with shoppers and then went inside again just for the last two laps.

“I put plenty of plasters on my hands where I normally get blisters which was also a good move.

“It was absolutely tragic that such a lovely man, with such a gift for getting along with people, should be struck down with brain cancer. Although Rory battled with downright dogged determination, even winning at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead while undergoing treatment, he passed away 18 months after diagnosis with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

“I am so grateful to everyone who helped make this happen, including all the support we had from centre:mk, and to everyone who has sponsored me. My fundraising for the charity Brain Tumour Research is almost at £8,500, but I am really hoping to reach my £10,000 target.”

To donate to Sharon’s fundraising, visit here