Emma Barton is determined to run the London Marathon – despite being told to rest for "a few weeks" after she developed "runner’s knee".
The ‘EastEnders’ actress insists she will still take part in the 26.2-mile race on April 28 as part of a running team Barbara’s Revolutionaries for former co-star Dame Barbara Windsor – who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014 – even if she can only walk it.
She said: "I developed ‘runner’s knee’ in February. The physio has told me to rest it for a few weeks, so it’s not great timing.
"It won’t stop me, though. I’ve said to the team that’ll be doing this whatever way I can – jogging, walking, all bandaged up.
"But the rest of the team are smashing it."
Emma will run alongside several of her co-stars, including Natalie Cassidy (Sonia Fowler), Jake Wood (Max Branning), and Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) as part of Barbara’s team, and they are hoping to continue running together after the spectacle.
She said: "We’ve all said we want to continue running after this."
And the 41-year-old actress – who plays Honey Mitchell on the BBC One soap – admits the team spirit among the Barbara’s Revolutionaries members is high.
She added to Inside Soap magazine: "We’re encouraging each other all the time, huddling together at work and swapping notes on which socks we’re wearing, what drinks we’re taking out on training, what music we’re listening to.
"We really carry each other along."
Emma isn’t the only person who has taken a rest from training of late.
Adam recently admitted he had to put off his running practice to do his tax return.
Speaking in January, he said: "I’m looking forward to the training. I should’ve started this week but I had to do the VAT.
"It will start, I promise.
"I’m starting soon … I’ve done it before, I’m going to stick to the same schedule.
"I got round once, I really enjoyed it. I know what I need to do to get through the day. Training!"
Emma Barton injury disrupts London Marathon training
