A WOMAN will be joined by her canine companions as she wheels around Ulverston for the virtual London Marathon this weekend.

Jess Muckelt, 40, will be taking on the 26.2-mile course in benefit of St Mary’s Hospice.

Jess has dystonia in her left leg and left hand meaning it makes walking longer distances hard work, meaning that she uses a manual wheelchair outside of the house.

Dystonia is the name for uncontrolled and sometimes painful muscle movements.

“I normally do about eight to 10 miles a day walking the dogs so I have increased my distance a bit,” said Jess, who will be joined by 5-year-old black Labrador Becket and 16-year-old papillon Sky.

“I'm autistic and suffer from anxiety and depression. Having my dogs with me makes me feel safe. Becket is my assistance dog (Canine Partners) and can come everywhere with me.

“I'm very rarely seen without a dog and have relied less on support from others since getting Becket three years ago.

“I wouldn't have had the confidence to do the Walk to Remember or sign up for this without them being able to do it with me. If the dogs get too tired, my dad might do the last bit with me.”

Jess said she is not ‘expecting to complete it in any record times’, and will be splitting the walk up while the dogs take part in different legs of the journey.

Jess’ mum died from cancer and Jess would like to pay back St Mary’s Hospice for the care they provided for her.

She said: “In March 2021 my Mum was diagnosed with cancer and given a short prognosis, in the June she fell and became partially paralysed.

“The hospice staff were brilliant in helping provide Hospice at Home support and then when she needed inpatient treatment, they were wonderful in the hospice itself.

“They also cared for my dad and myself, checking how we were coping and offering support after she passed away in August.

“I want to give something back to help them support others in the way we were supported.”

To donate to Jess’ cause, visit: https://tinyurl.com/425nd5c8