'I had to learn how to walk again - now I'm running a marathon'
Kelsey Sheridan is getting ready for her first ever marathon event after she lost mobility and had to learn to walk again
A 28-year-old software engineer who had to learn to walk again after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome is lacing up for her first marathon event. Kelsey Sheridan, from Middleton, Greater Manchester, is one of 36,000 participants taking part in the adidas Manchester Marathon 2025 on Sunday (April 27).
She will be joined by her assistance dog, Hamble, for around 10km of the race. Kelsey, who is aiming for a sub-five-hour finish time, chose to run the adidas Manchester Marathon to mark a significant milestone in her recovery journey.
"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," she explained.
"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."
Kelsey went on to graduate in 2018, but she was unable to work or leave the house without her assistance dog, Hamble.
According to the NHS, symptoms of myalgic encephalomyelitis, often known as chronic fatigue syndrome, include sleep problems, feeling extremely tired all the time, problems with thinking, concentration and memory, and symptoms getting worse after physical or mental activity.
The cause is unknown, and there is currently no cure. However, treatments may help manage the condition and relieve symptoms. There's no specific test for chronic fatigue syndrome, meaning it's diagnosed based on symptoms and by ruling out other conditions.
Kelsey said: "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 was constantly overdoing it just to survive and was unable to recover and increase my capabilities safely.
"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 went for her first run since losing her mobility, and she soon set her sights on her next challenge. "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 28-year-old explained.
She's also set her sights on a time goal. "The adidas Manchester Marathon is my local event, in the city where I lost and ultimately regained my mobility. It's my first marathon, so I'd absolutely love to achieve a sub-five-hour finish time if possible."
Kelsey was keen to acknowledge that chronic fatigue syndrome is not the same for everyone. "The truth is, medications and slow rehab may work for some, but not others," she said.
"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!"
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