Marathon woman nears finish line

Six days after Paula Radcliffe ran the London Marathon in record time, determined Jennie Page is almost there.

Miss Page, 54, of St Albans, Herts, left partially paralysed after surgery to remove a tumour in her skull, has walked the 26.2 mile course.

She is due to cross the finish line on The Mall at 1300 BST on Saturday after walking the final mile alongside her 82-year-old mother, Josie Page.

Miss Page will be the last competitor in this year's race to collect a medal.

She said that being with 30,000 people on Sunday had been daunting, but the crowds' reaction had been amazing.

Incredible support

She has completed about four miles a day, supported by four or five people.

"The support I've had has been incredible, I don't think I could ever get this level of backing again," she said.

"To paraphrase Sir Steve Redgrave, If someone sees me in my running shoes again - they can shoot me."

In 1997, Miss Page underwent life-saving surgery to remove a head tumour but suffered complications that left her paralysed along the right side of her body.

She was unable to even lift a finger, but has since undergone rehabilitation that has enabled her to walk, drive and return to work.

Miss Page is aiming to raise £5,000 for Age Concern.