Rosie Jones says she’s overcome ‘internalised ableism’ to take on London Marathon

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Rosie Jones, a comedian, has acknowledged that she previously refrained from using mobility aids due to the concept of "internalised ableism." As she gets ready to participate in the TCS London Marathon, she's come to terms with that belief.

This Sunday (21 April), a well-known comedian and regular panelist on TV shows, who has ataxic cerebral palsy, is participating in a long-distance race with her fellow stand-up Ivo Graham. To help her complete the race, Ivo will be pushing her in a Delta Buggy.

Jones, who is 33 years old, mentioned to the PA news agency that participating has always been a big dream of hers. Nevertheless, she admitted that she lacks motivation to put in the effort and training required.

“When Ivo suggested that I should take the chance to sit and be pushed throughout the event, I didn't find a reason to refuse,” she stated.

For a while, I let my own prejudices against people with disabilities affect how I viewed mobility aids. I believed that using them would mean I was surrendering and not trying hard enough. However, I've come to the understanding that these aids can improve my quality of life and help me become more self-sufficient.

She stated, "My mental well-being and self-perception as a person with a physical impairment have improved greatly as a result."

NHS Inform states that ataxic cerebral palsy is characterized by trembling movements and lack of equilibrium, and that it is the variety of cerebral palsy that is found in the least amount of cases.

Jones is collecting funds to support Up: The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement.

She also believes that it is crucial to create more understanding and knowledge about the excellent mobility equipment available that allows individuals like her to participate in a legendary occasion.

To get ready for the important day, the pair finished a 13.1-mile race in Victoria Park, London while it was raining heavily. Jones used a megaphone to shout out loud.

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In free English, Graham expressed that his previous marathons held a lot of significance for him. He felt that he was representing his parents during those marathons- his mother through the MS Society, and his father who introduced the family to running. Graham's father also participated in the marathon alongside them, despite the rainy conditions at Victoria Park.

This year, I feel the responsibility and happiness of running the marathon with Rosie, who is participating for the first time. Together, we hope to represent many individuals whose lives are impacted by disability. These individuals may already receive excellent support from organizations like the MS Society or Up: The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement. Alternatively, they may now be encouraged to run a marathon if they can persuade a friend without a disability to assist them.

Jones addressed the negative comments she received online in February following her recent appearances on television.

"Is it necessary for me to have a tough mentality?" Yes, it certainly is. However, I have the ability to disconnect from it. Whenever I am on television, I purposely avoid looking at any social media platforms. By doing so, I can concentrate on the brighter aspects instead of the negative ones," she stated during her interview with The Guardian.

Jones remembered how individuals, specifically those with disabilities, frequently come up to her and express gratitude for "acknowledging our presence and confirming our worth and validity."

Jones expressed her appreciation towards the television producers she's collaborating with for her recently launched Out of Order panel show. She commended them for making sure that the set is completely accessible. However, she called for more consciousness and integration throughout the industry.

She stated that she dedicates a great deal of her time and effort attempting to conform to a world that does not cater to people with disabilities, and eventually, this becomes very tiring.

Stay tuned for real-time news about the London Marathon.