Titanium Toni prepares for running challenge

Toni Bull began running when she was taking strong medication

A nurse with a titanium jaw and a myriad of rare medical conditions is planning to run the Oxford Half Marathon to inspire those going through something similar to not "give up hope".

Toni Bull, 35, from Buckinghamshire, was given the nickname Titanium Toni because she has two titanium jaw joints following years of issues, including clicking and reduced movement.

She is due to take part in Sunday's half marathon, having begun running as an "outlet" during her treatment.

"I wouldn't have started running if it wasn't for my jaw," she said.

An X-ray image show Toni Bull's two titanium jaw joints

Ms Bull had her right jaw joint removed and replaced with a titanium one in February 2022. Her left jaw joint was swapped out for a titanium joint this March.

In September 2023, she was diagnosed with several other conditions, including Raynaud's - a condition which regularly leaves her with blue fingers and toes - and osteoarthritis in multiple joints.

She was also told she has two rare medical conditions - antiphospholipid syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, and hypermobility spectrum disorder, which has led her to suffer severe migraines, fatigue and joint pain.

She said she began running initially to combat weight gain following strong medication.

"I started doing 'Couch to 5k' and it really grew from that point because running became my outlet.

"Even when my jaw was really bad, I could still do a run, even if it was a slow 1-2km (0.6-1.2 miles) one," she said.

Toni Bull is set to join thousands of other runners for the Oxford Half Marathon

Ms Bull runs a Facebook group called TMJ Disorder Support UK to help others experiencing similar chronic pain.

"If someone's going through something similar, I would say 'stay strong, stay focused, don't give up hope'.

"It is great to have events like the Oxford Half, which are so inclusive so that everyone, regardless of their ability or if they have health conditions, feels they can enter and run it."

The annual 13.1 mile (21km) race, which starts from Broad Street at 09:30 BST, attracts a mix of elite, amateur and wheelchair racers.