'I refuse to let it stop me': Northampton runner's bid to return to racing after sudden health decline
A Northampton woman who completed the London Marathon before an unexplained deterioration in her health left her needing a wheelchair full-time is raising money to help her get back to racing.
Charlotte Banks was a keen runner who regularly took part in parkruns, 10Ks and half marathons, as well as completing the London Marathon.
Running played an important role in Charlotte's life, helping her stay active and manage flare-ups of fibromyalgia, which she had already been diagnosed with.
But in September 2025, her health began to deteriorate rapidly, with problems affecting her spine and hips eventually leaving her reliant on a wheelchair whenever she leaves the house.
Charlotte said she has undergone numerous tests, scans and X-rays, but doctors have so far been unable to explain what has caused the sudden decline.
She said the change has had a major impact on her independence, with even leaving home now requiring considerable preparation.
Charlotte said: “Simply leaving the house now feels like a military operation. Being out for more than a few hours requires careful planning and a huge amount of energy.
“Because of that, I rarely go out anymore. Not because I don't want to, but because finding the motivation can be so difficult when every trip comes with so many challenges.”
However, Charlotte is determined to find a way back into the sport she loves.
This month, she managed to find a second-hand Flying Start racing wheelchair, which she has named Ophelia.
The wheelchair requires repairs and upgrades before it can be used for racing, prompting Charlotte to launch a GoFundMe appeal to cover the costs.
More than £55 has been raised so far, with Charlotte hoping to begin training before making her return to competitive events next year.
She said: “My goal is simple: to get back to racing next year.
“There's a lot of training ahead, and Ophelia needs a few essential repairs and upgrades before we can hit the road together. None of the individual costs are huge, but they quickly add up.”
For Charlotte, returning to racing is about considerably more than simply taking part in another event.
She added: “This isn't just about racing. It's about reclaiming my independence, improving both my physical and mental health, and rediscovering the sense of freedom that sport once gave me.
“I may not be able to walk far or stand for long, but I refuse to let that stop me from crossing a finish line again.”