Blue Peter host, Abby Cook, is to take part in the wheelchair race at this year’s London Marathon.
Cook joined the show last year as its 42nd presenter. A long time supporter of inclusivity in sport, including being mental health administrator for Scottish Disability Sport, she has previously trained with Paralympians as part of the Forth Valley Flyers.
It was during her audition that she told producers that her dream challenge would be wheelchair racing.
“I’m elated to be joining the many Blue Peter presenters who have attempted the London Marathon – but with a wheelchair racing twist,” she explained.
“The training has a whole host of challenges, and in true Blue Peter fashion, I’m in at the deep end. Roll on April!”
She’ll be working with British para athlete and world champion, Sammi Kinghorn MBE to prepare for the event.
The first Blue Peter presenter to require a wheelchair, Cook was born with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which causes her joints to easily dislocate.
She will be following a legacy of Blue Peter presenters who have tackled the London Marathon, including Peter Duncan in the inaugural race in 1981 to Lindsey Russell in 2015.
Viewers will be able to follow her journey on Blue Peter on CBBC and BBC iPlayer.
