A south Durham woman who has suffered from depression is to run the London Marathon for a mental health charity.
Elizabeth Oates, of Crook, was hospitalised for eight days last May with anxiety and depression as doctors feared she may try to take her own life.
The 29-year-old has since recovered and is in training two hours a day for the London Marathon on Sunday.
She has so far raised £120 for the Mental Health Foundation.
“When I was in hospital I woke up and realised I could go one way or the other and one way was the marathon,” she said.
“I have been running all of my life but this has made me want to succeed even more.”
Miss Oates also plans to write a book of poems to inspire others as she continues to rebuild her life after the ordeal.
“I want to make people aware that if you believe in yourself you can do anything,” she said. You can sponsor her by visiting: www.justgiving.com/elizabethoates.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here