Amputee Royal Signals Veteran takes on London Marathon for Blesma
Lexi Chambers, 44, will be one of thirteen taking part in this year’s Virgin London Marathon in aid of military charity Blesma, The Limbless Veterans.
Former Royal Signals Soldier and Blesma Member Lexi, from Devon, is also hoping to complete the marathon in under five hours in order to break the world record for the fastest female to complete a marathon using a non-sport wheelchair.
Lexi became a full-time wheelchair user following an elective amputation of her left leg below the knee after suffering from excruciating pain caused by hammer toes, which led to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
She said: “When I first lost my leg, I was pretty much housebound in a first-floor apartment. It was difficult to do anything. Then Blesma helped me regain my independence and mobility by providing me with a lightweight wheelchair and driving lessons and helped me navigate the benefits system.
“I lost my career and becoming dependent on my wheelchair was a big adjustment, but Blesma has been there supporting me the whole way through. I was quite low and stuck before Blesma. They have always understood and had a big, positive impact on my life.
“I had dreams of running a marathon and triathlon before my amputation, and I was determined those dreams would not be gone forever thanks to Blesma’s influence. So, I learned to adapt the way I trained and realised that becoming a wheelchair user didn’t mean the end of sport and fitness.”
With her newfound confidence in sports, Lexi set her goals high. This year, she has taken on seven events to mark Blesma’s 90th anniversary. The London Marathon will mark the culmination.
“I already have the world record for the fastest female to complete a half marathon using a non-sport wheelchair. I beat the original time by 18 minutes at Bridgewater Half Marathon in September. I’m nervous despite the fact I’ve completed it during training twice. It's all about navigating the people and weather on the day.”
To support Lexi in raising money for Blesma, please go to: https://blesma.enthuse.com/pf/lexi-chambers-799fb-d79f9-9e2a2
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