Peckham woman to run London Landmarks Half Marathon for disabled sister

A woman will run the London Landmarks Half Marathon this month for her disabled sister to raise money for a national disability charity.

Holly Conway, 26, from Peckham, has been inspired to run by sibling Megan, who has complex disabilities as a result of contracting meningitis at birth, including being born partially sighted.

Holly, who works as an office manager for a marketing agency, said: “I’m feeling excited, proud and a bit emotional.

“I do feel a lot of responsibility to run for a charity that helped my little sister. I’ve always wanted to take part in an event to give back to them – to be honest this is the only reason I would do something like this, as without the help we received for Megan who knows where we or she would be now.”

Holly will be running to raise money for disabled charity Sense, which helped Megan and her family navigate her needs, giving advice and support.

Holly said: “Megan was born with an array of disabilities, including being partially sighted, and we were unaware of what she could and couldn’t see.

“One of her neurologists suggested that we get in touch with Sense to see how they could help.

“A support worker from Sense from Sense came and worked with Megan and managed to figure out her sight limits, and ways we could support her, which was a weight lifted in a time with many unanswered questions.

“The support and advice from Sense was a huge help.”

Holly is training hard for the big day and is hoping to raise £350 for the charity.

“I’m very excited but also anxious about the day, as this is my first time doing a half-marathon and I am not entirely sure what to expect. The training is tough.

“Although I am a runner already, I do it for fitness rather than for competition, so this will be the furthest I’ve ever run.

“My whole family have planned to be there on the day, including Megan. If I am struggling and need that extra bit of motivation, I will think of them cheering me on and that will give me that extra push I need.

“This race is really important to me.”

To sponsor Megan, click here.

Pictured top: Holly Conway (right) with her sister, Megan