In 2017, when she was 20 years old, Milly Pickles was involved in an accident at work where she was electrocuted. The current entered her body through the right heel, travelled up her leg and across her pelvis before exiting down her left leg and out of the big toe, causing burns over 36% of her body. For two weeks, she fought for her life in hospital. Amputating her right leg below the knee, and two toes on her left foot, saved her. She immediately knew she wanted to become a para-athlete, and last year was on the team of presenters at the Paris Olympics. Ahead of the London Marathon on April 27, she shares what training and pre-race prep looks like for her.
In last year’s London marathon, my foot broke down and I had to walk from 33km This time my goal is to run the full distance without stopping or walking. Realistically, that might not be possible - scar tissue can flare up, and if it’s too hot, my leg can start to feel like it’s falling off, which means I may need to stop and re-adjust. Whatever happens, the day is such a buzz, and I’m genuinely so excited. I’ve always believed that if you put your mind to something, you can achieve it - and I hope by doing this, I help others believe that too.
