WHEN Sara Greaves broke her leg following a bad fall, doctors told her she would never be able to walk properly again, let alone run.

However, inspired by her son, the 47-year-old has defied the medical prognosis and has been able to return to the sport she always loved.

Now Sara has re-joined her running club, the Slinn Allstars, having started out at the Lydiard Parkrun, which takes place every Saturday at Lydiard Park.

Her ordeal began three years ago. The injured leg needed to be pinned and Sara, who had previously taken part in the Race for Life, spent the following year either in a wheelchair or on crutches.

The accident also triggered a rare condition, called complex regional pain syndrome, which meant she was in constant pain from her knees down to her toes.

Sara, from Rodbourne, said: “The pain was 24/7, like a burning pins and needles. The doctors said it was highly unlikely I’d be able to walk comfortably, or at all, again.

“I was totally devastated and went from being a bubbly, sporty person, who loved playing netball and running, to someone who would sit inside not answering the door or even the phone.”

Sara’s partner Kevin, 46, was hugely supportive throughout but her son Farrleigh, seven, struggled to understand why his mum was less able to play or run after him.

It was his wake up call which got Sara back on her feet and into her running shoes.

“We used to play football and muck around together, but as I was immobile I became increasingly withdrawn,” she said.

“Eventually, Farrleigh said ‘You’re rubbish mummy, you don’t play anymore’. That hit me so hard and made me realise things had to change.”

With Farrleigh and Kevin by her side, Sara took part in the Lydiard Parkrun and has not looked back, becoming a regular at the running group.

She said: “I turned up and walked round the course with my crutches, bringing Kevin for moral support. Farrleigh also spurred me on. I nearly cried when he said ‘I’ll help you walk mummy’.

“Obviously it wasn’t my best time but it was the best feeling ever.

“There is no pressure, you just go at your own pace and everyone is so friendly and supportive.”

“I made fantastic friends. Running really can work wonders – you get out of the house, get in the zone and everything just feels so much better.

“I did the beginners’ course with the club to help build my strength and get me back in the swing of it.

“I just blocked out the pain and got on with it.”

Swindon Borough Council runs the Tri-Active Project, which encourages residents to lead more active lifestyles, and is supporting the free NHS Couch to 5K beginners running plan.

Couch to 5K is designed to help beginners get into running – contact Ben Humphrey at bhumphrey@swindon.gov.uk, or call 01793 465404. For more information about parkrun visit www.parkrun.org.uk/swindon