Sicily 14th october 2007

invited as a solo athlete after qualifying for the european iau trophy cup after winning a silver 3 aaa's medal at boddington august 2007, unfortunately heather incurred a stress fracture of her heal bone which went undetected until she completed in the new forest marathon 4 weeks later, a mri scan confirmed heathers worse fears.

it meant heather was unable to compete in the world 100km champships in september.

Yet to her delight sicily race director welcomed her as a special guest and defending european champion.2005
the hospital agreed to take her cast off early to enable her to fly and rehabilitate her foot.

the sicilans provided her with crutches and escorts at hand, she cried as she crossed the finish line of the 4 km fun run in a debut of 36mins 52 seconds. on crutches.

Heather says Thanks

Heather wishes to thank all who have encouraged her at this discouraging time, the staff at sidmouth and honiton swimming pools, Carlie, Gina, Helen and Ravan.

www.hands-on.me.uk , all her friends and all those people in the swimming pool who have been patient with her whilst she swam her mile each day.
And especially the people of sicily who welcomed her so warmly and took her to the place of dignitaries to meet the mayor and race officials.As well as welcoming her on stage to explain why she was not running.

Due to England athletics policy. As Heather has already represented Great Britain in 100km ; she came 9th last year in Korea 2006.
It now means heather will no longer be able to compete in this world championship 50km race representing England again, however Sicily will be happy to welcome her back next year to compete as an individual all expenses paid as long as she qualifies by winning an England athletics 3 AAA 's medal in which heather currently has one Gold and two Silver medals. we wish her well,