Paralympian's recovery inspired frame running club

The swimmer completed a "really tough" London Marathon using her frame

A Paralympic swimmer has set up a frame running club to help disabled people after crediting the sport with helping her recover from a career-threatening injury.

Tully Kearney said she was left unable to swim after she suffered complex concussion syndrome in 2023 when her head was accidentally hit by a closing car boot.

Kearney said she took up frame running after the injury had forced her out of the pool

The 28-year-old said frame running helped her own recovery and journey to winning two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, and had prompted her to try to help others get involved.

Kearney said she wanted to help others

Frame running involves using a three-wheeled frame to support the runner's weight as they push forward with their legs.

"[My injury] meant I couldn't swim for about six months – or even get in a pool, as I had really bad vertigo, and lying flat would make me sick," Kearney said.

"I'm not very good at not training or exercising, so I wanted something (frame running) to keep me occupied."

Kearney, who has cerebral palsy and a neurological movement disorder, added: "It was incredible. It was the first time I ever ran in my life. I absolutely fell in love with it. It was the first time I was able to use my legs in sport.

"I just felt completely free. One thing my family used to do was run together, and it was something I was never included in, so actually being able to run was an incredible feeling.

"It really helped my mental health when I was struggling."

The club now has 15 members

She recently completed the London Marathon in four hours and 36 minutes, raising more than £2,000 to support the club, which meets at Loughborough University.

"It was tough," she said.

"Having all your bodyweight on a saddle and chest plate is quite uncomfortable.

"Getting towards the end, I was really struggling, but not finishing was not an option."

The new club has grown to 15 members in about six weeks, and Kearney said she was delighted to see the impact it had on the runners.

"We have a little lad who, when he first came, struggled to move a frame, but a couple of weeks ago he actually started running.

"Seeing the joy on everyone's face and the difference it's made to their lives is incredible."