'You can do anything' - visually impaired runner

Elizabeth Morris-Sampson, left, with her mum and guide runner Marie Sampson

A visually impaired runner hopes she can inspire others to follow their dreams when she competes in the London Marathon on Sunday.

Elizabeth Morris-Sampson, 18, from Holbeach in Lincolnshire, will be accompanied by her mum, Marie Sampson, 47, who is acting as her guide runner.

Both have had cataracts as the result of a hereditary condition, and although Ms Sampson's sight improved after surgery, her daughter developed glaucoma, leaving her visually impaired.

"I wasn't a runner, I was never in to sport. If you put your mind to it and work hard, you can do anything," Ms Morris-Sampson said.

The event is her first marathon and she said her training had been fraught with difficulty.

She added: "I injured my foot and was out for six weeks. I had eye surgery as well and last month I underwent surgery for endometriosis, so it's been a bit of a journey to say the least."

Elizabeth Morris-Sampson, left, will be accompanied by her mum, Marie Sampson

Ms Sampson will guide her daughter around the 26.2-mile course, helping her avoid other runners and obstacles, such as discarded water bottles.

While they are running, the pair will stay connected by a hand-held strap.

Ms Sampson, who has run the London Marathon twice herself, said she was very proud of her daughter.

"When I did it in 2018 and 2019, she always said that she would run the marathon when she was 18," she said.

Ms Morris-Sampson is running in aid of the charity Sense and is aiming to raise £1,950 via her JustGiving page.

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