Ill mother plans run to help charity for children

A courageous Sheffield woman is defying the odds by taking part in the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run despite living with a life-threatening disease.

Louise Praill, who will turn 40 before the race, was diagnosed with renal failure 20 years ago and now faces needing a kidney transplant.

But Louise, from Birley, is defying doctors to run the 10k race on September 5 for Sheffield-based Sincere Support – a charity which provides financial and emotional support to the families of ill or deceased children.

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Louise said: "When I was diagnosed at 20 it was a complete shock. I didn't smoke or drink excessively, it just came out of the blue.

"I only have one kidney now and have been on anti-biotics for as long as I can remember. I constantly have blood and water infections and recently the consultant told me the function of my kidney is decreasing. He said the disease has taken grip.

"But the Great Yorkshire Run is a challenge I'm really looking forward to. It will be hard, but every step I take will be a little bit of help for all those families."

Single mother Louise, who nearly died in January after a bout of septicaemia, is starting work with a personal trainer at Ponds Forge gym to prepare for the race.

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Her children, James, three, Molly, five, and George, 18, are all supporting their mother in her challenge and George is thinking of entering so he can run alongside her.

Louise has undergone a "massive change of lifestyle" including switching to a vegan diet to give her body a fighting chance before the operation and trying to embrace running, particularly as the race begins outside her hair salon Volum, on Arundel Gate.

Louise said: "I've never done anything like this before though so I need to start some serious training. I'm already on the lookout for some second hand trainers from eBay!"

Anyone interested in running can enter at: www.greatrun.org. Louise can be sponsored by going to www.justgiving.com and searching for Louise Praill.

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