A PETERSFIELD mother of two has chosen to tackle a gruelling course for her first-ever marathon aimed at raising money for a rehabilitation charity helping her three-year-old nephew manage his paralysis.

Emma-Jo Jones of Durford Wood is tackling 26.2 hilly miles inspired her nephew’s Ralph’s bravery after a spinal stroke after his birth in December 2017 left him paralysed from the waist down, his hips out of alignment and his feet twisted backwards.

After leaving hospital his mum, India – Emma-Jo’s sister – was told there was nothing more that could be done to help him.

However, she found Neurokinex Kids, a highly-specialist spinal cord rehabilitation centre near Gatwick, which turned out to be a lifeline for Ralph who is progressing incredibly well under their care and guidance.

“I’ve been a casual runner for a few years and do one or two half- marathons every year,” says Emma-Jo.

“I always admired people who ran a marathon but thought there was no way on earth I’d take on the challenge.

“But during lockdown, there were days where I just kept running and started to clock up the miles and I thought maybe I could do this after all.

“When India told me Neurokinex had some places in the virtual London Marathon, I thought now was as good a time as any to see what I could do. ”

Neurokinex is very close to Emma-Jo’s heart because of all they’ve done for Ralph.

She said: “I’ve been to a few of his sessions and am just so amazed at the progress he’s made there.

“The staff are wonderful with him and the techniques and skills they have are mind-blowing.

“Quite simply, without Neurokinex, Ralph wouldn’t be where he is today.

“The facility is an absolute Godsend and raising money by running the London Marathon is my way of saying ‘thank you’ for all they have done to help Ralph.”

Emma-Jo is running with her friend Imogen who is raising money for Versus Arthritis, and they have mapped out a route that circles their homes in Petersfield.

They will start in Durford Wood, head down to Milland and Fernhurst and then track that route back to the Jolly Drover pub at Rake.

Then they’ll run down the old A3 and past the Half Moon pub, down Pullens Lane to the Taro and then across to Petersfield Heath and pass Petersfield Hospital, ending their testing marathon attempt at the back entrance to Churcher’s College Senior School in Love Lane.

They will then cool off with a short walk to the Queen’s Head pub in Sheet, where friends and family will meet them.

They have planned for family and friends to be at set points along the way to offer support.

Ralph and his twin brother Wilbur have the important task of supplying jelly babies and water as Emma-Jo and Imogen progress.

Emma-Jo added: “Unlike the actual London marathon, our route is rather hilly with a rise of 1,000ft!

“We’ve done most of it in training so know where the difficult sections are.

“The way I see it is that I may be in pain on the day and for a while afterwards, but that will be short-lived compared to the discomfort and difficulties that Ralph and other Neurokinex clients face each day.”

Emma-Jo is hoping to raise £2,500 for Neurokinex.

You can support her marathon attempt on Sunday, October 3, by donating via the webpage at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/EMMALONDONVIRTUALMARATHON