RUNNING the Oxford Town and Gown will represent more than a simple physical challenge for Ellen Richards.

When the 34-year-old mum-of-two completes the 10km course, it will be a sign that she has recovered from a debilitating neuromuscular illness.

Ellen Richards, who lives on a farm near Cheltenham, will be running with her identical twin sister Kate Welsby, from Botley, Oxford.

Three years ago, shortly after the birth of her first child, Malin, Mrs Richards was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis.

It is one of a group of conditions which the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is researching, so the sisters are running the race to raise money for the cause.

Mrs Richards said: “It’s a very positive thing for me to do because it shows I am well enough to do it.

“Doing the Town and Gown will be a challenge, because I quickly get wobbly when I run, as if my muscles are very fatigued and struggling to maintain equilibrium.”

It will be the fifth time around the course for Miss Welsby – but as she will be six-and-a-half months pregnant Mrs Richards is expecting to be able to keep up with her.

At the height of her symptoms, Mrs Richards was unable to smile, struggled to lift her baby son and was unable to lift her arms to wash herself in the shower.

An operation called a thymectomy, followed by medication, helped Mrs Richards recover, and she was able to give birth to a second child, Hazel, now 10 months, without a relapse.

The race takes place on Sunday, May 13, and will be the 31st in aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

To sponsor the sisters visit justgiving.com/EllenAndKateTG10K

To register to take part, email events@muscular-dystrophy.org or call 020 78034820