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Paralysed Dancer Runs 5,000km Across UK
31 Aug
Summary
- Young woman paralyzed after surgery now runs 5,000km.
- She leads free 5km run clubs in UK cities and Dublin.
- The challenge aims to inspire movement before it's too late.

Esmee Gummer, who was on the cusp of starting dance college at 18, found her dreams altered by complications from surgery that left her paralyzed. Now 35, she has embarked on an ambitious 5,000km (3,107 miles) run across the UK and Ireland, living in a campervan for the duration.
Gummer's project, called The Nation's 5k, involves organizing and leading free 5km run clubs in every major British city, as well as in Dublin. Her overarching goal is to inspire individuals to embrace physical activity, urging them to "say yes to movement before it's too late."
Since commencing her run from Inverness in June, Gummer has been on the move for up to seven hours each day. Supported by a crew in a van, she is navigating the vast distance on foot. Her sights are set on completing this monumental challenge within 99 days, having already consumed numerous energy gels and worn out several pairs of running shoes.