Inspirational amputee Nikki Bradley completes Vhi Women's Mini Marathon
The adaptive adventurer and cancer survivor was one of the ambassadors of the Mini Marathon, which took place in Dublin on Sunday
Nikki Bradley completed the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon on Sunday – on crutches.
The inspirational amputee from Letterkenny was among the 20,000 to take on the 10km event in Dublin.
Nikki was one of the ambassadors for this year's event.
The adaptive adventurer and cancer survivor underwent rotationplasty surgery in The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham in 2022.
The procured involved removing the middle part of her right leg with the lower leg reattached at the thigh - but rotated 180 degrees. This was prior to Nikki having a prosthetic fitted.
Nikki was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, when she was 16 years old, and has had two hip replacements.
In her typically determined fashion, Nikki completed Sunday's event.
“I had heard from many that the atmosphere is electric, but to witness it first hand was something I'll never forget,” she reflected.
“Crossing the finish line with my Mum and Sister was the best part. They did amazing, I'm so proud.”
With 3km to go, Nikki had to stop for a photo at St Vincent's Hospital.
“I have spent so many months in that building receiving chemo and having various treatments,” she said. “To be there for such a positive reason and to walk on by rather than walk inside was a powerful and emotional moment.
“The Vhi Women's Mini Marathon is for everyone, I definitely wasn't the only person on crutches, and I was overtaken by more than one wheelchair user.”
Nikki says that she, her sister and mother will now add the Mini Marathon to their 'list of annual traditions'.
Previously, Nikki has completed quite the list of feats, including abseiling off Fanad Lighthouse and climbing the Sólheimajökull glacier in Iceland.
She also completed a 4 Peak Challenge that saw her climb Carrantoohil, Croagh Patrick, Slieve Donard and Errigal back-to-back - inside 32 hours.