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Julie McElroy, born in Glasow with cerebral palsy, has faced and overcome many unique challenges throughout her life. Her quest for inclusion, and passion for sport, have come together in her biggest challenge yet, the TCS London Marathon 2024.

Two years ago, Julie was introduced to Frame Running through Victoria Park Athletics Club, Glasgow. This is an adaptive sport, allowing individuals with mobility challenges to be able to run, using specially designed frames. Since that introduction, Julie has completed many events with her Frame Runner, including the Paisley 10K, the infamous 22.6-mile Glasgow Kiltwalk, raising funds for her club and the Great Scottish Half Marathon, becoming the first Frame Runner to successfully complete the course. Participation in these events has provided Julie with unique physical challenges, as well as having a positive impact upon her mental health. Its offered increased independence, as well as enhanced social inclusion in events that otherwise would have been impossible and out of reach. It has also renewed Julie’s confidence to succeed and trust in others to support her achieve her dreams. More importantly she strives to inspire others, to seek out opportunities and realise their own full potential.

The association with the Richard Whitehead Foundation is a unique and exciting development. There is clear synergy between their mission statement and Julie’s experiences throughout her life. They align perfectly, both seeking to create social change and using the power of sport to inspire disabled people, with a common belief that the impact of sport enhances mental well-being, confidence, self-esteem, inclusion and employability.

All funds raised will go toward the Foundations projects with ambitions to inspire and educate, providing a person centric approach, creating inclusive communities, sustainable change through improved representation.

Looking forward, Julie and her team, including TV presenter, adventurer, and explorer, Ken Hames, together with David Perkins, Catriona Bruce and experienced Marathon runner Gill Menzies, a friend to Julie and a Richard Whitehead accredited Support Runner, have their sights firmly set on the 2024 TCS London Marathon, where the team aims to complete the mission and in doing so inspire others, proving that anything is possible, with courage, the right application and a good support network.

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