Brenda Whittle, of Marske-by-the-Sea, East Cleveland, has been undergoing painstaking physiotherapy and intensive training to enable her to take part in the 13.1mile race.

Volunteers will push her around the course, and run alongside her – but when she reaches the end she plans to get out of her wheelchair and walk the final ten steps of the race.

The determined 47-year-old said: "I decided to take on the run because I like to challenge myself and keep myself fit. It’s always good to push yourself.

"Training has been painful but fun.

"When I cross the finish line I’ll feel proud and probably flushed. I will also feel very grateful for all the support I’ve been given.”

Ms Whittle is taking on the race with 16 volunteers, including staff from her care home and her friends and family, who will all be on hand to help her cross the finish line.

Ruth Hebden, volunteer co-ordinator at Marske Hall care home, said: “Instead of accepting what the doctors predicted her future would be Brenda decided, after a period of shock and anger, to draw a line and rewrite her story. I am in awe of her personal resilience and strength.

“I know that it is often painful and frustrating for Brenda to push herself, but she is so committed to getting herself as independent as possible that I cannot see anything stopping her.”

Ms Whittle has spent the last 15 years learning to talk again, feed herself, do her own washing and is now beginning to re-learn how to walk, after suffering a mystery brain condition which baffled doctors, when she was just 27.