AN 80-year-old will take on the London Royal Parks half-marathon this weekend after being inspired by a young Islander who had her limbs amputated after contracting sepsis.

Janine Fossey is raising money for Sepsis Research FEAT, the UK’s only sepsis research charity in support of Lily McGarry, who is an ambassador of the charity.

Miss McGarry went into septic shock after contracting meningitis B during her third year of university, where she was studying medicine. To save her life, doctors had to perform a quadruple amputation, and Miss McGarry has since continued her recovery in Jersey, alongside advocating for students to get the meningitis B vaccination and be aware of the early symptoms.

Ms Fossey has been a member of athletics club Jersey Spartans for 28 years. She has completed four marathons in London, Paris, Brighton and Chester, two Great North Runs, a Spartan half marathon and various 5k and 10k races since taking up running at the age of 48.

On Sunday, she sets off for the Oysho Royal Parks half-marathon, a 13.1 mile challenge seeing participants cross the finish line in front of The Albert Memorial and the Royal Albert Hall. 

Ms Fossey said that she “wanted to do something” for Miss McGarry having known her and her family since she was just a toddler.

“Apparently this half marathon is a lovely one and I really wanted to do something to help Lily raise awareness and do something for the charity she is following.

“Over the years I have seen her grow up, and she is just such a lovely girl who deserves all of the accolades she can get”, she said.

Ms Fossey turned 80 in July and said that she is beginning to get back to a “decent” speed.

“I started trying to increase my speed from the beginning of the year, and then I managed to get into a race. I had a plan, but I wasn’t pushing it. If you push it too much, you will get injured,” Ms Fossey said. “But, I’m going to be able to do it. I will do it”.

At age 54, Ms Fossey’s completed a full 26.2-mile marathon in five-and-a-half hours while her personal best for a half-marathon is two hours and 20 minutes, which she achieved at the age of 61.

Her fundraising goal is £1,000 for Sepsis Research – a target which she is around halfway to hitting.

Donations supporting Ms Fossey’s half marathon this Sunday can be made by searching “Janine’s fundraiser for Sepsis Research FEAT for Lily McGarry” on JustGiving, or by clicking here.