A hospital consultant living with a rare disease which left her doubting if she would ever be able to run again will represent Team GB in an upcoming world championship.

Sophie West from Ashford, a consultant radiologist at East Kent Hospitals NHS University Foundation Trust (EKHUFT), has a rare metabolic disease that needs life-long treatment.

The mum-of-two has had to have multiple surgeries on her hips and never thought she would be able to take on such a physical challenge.

But she says it is “surreal” to be preparing to compete in the 40-44 age group at both the European Multisport Championships in May and the World Multisport Championships Pontevedra in June, competing in the aquathlon for both.

She won a silver medal in the British Paratriathlon Championships earlier this year but will be competing against able-bodied athletes at the contest in June.

She also plans to take part in the British Triathlon Super Series, competing in at least three of the different events.

The 42-year-old said: “I am just going to do my best; that is all I can ever do.

“It is quite surreal to think about, especially considering my health issues.

“But exercise is my way to de-stress and I absolutely love it.

“I am a complete exercise addict and I get up at 5am to train.”

Sophie balances working full time as a consultant in the NHS and caring for her two young children with her training and is particularly aiming to improve her swimming times.

But she is also adding long-distance running training, after accepting a place in next year’s London Marathon.

She said: “It wasn’t something I was looking to do but they contacted me to see if I was interested in a place and they are in such demand it isn’t something you say no to.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have a place and so excited to take part, but I have to be realistic and accept that I will need to do a mixture of running and walking because of my health.

“It is about achieving a balance so I can finish it in a safe way – and without jeopardising my performance in the European and world championships.

“I never thought a marathon would be feasible. After my surgeries, I wasn’t sure I would be able to run at all, so it is wonderful to have these opportunities.”

The aquathlon will involve a 1km open water swim and a 5km run and Sophie will be training in a pool until the weather is warmer.

Before the British Paratriathlon Championships, she had to spend a night in hospital with swimming-induced pulmonary oedema - a build-up of fluid on her lungs - after a training swim in open water.

For the marathon, Sophie will have a support runner to help her pace herself and avoid injury.

She said: “We are working together now to increase the distance, and I’m lucky to have a lot of support from my colleagues, including one who is a physiotherapist who is fantastic at giving me advice.

“I never imagined I would be doing this, but I try to have an attitude of ‘but what if I can?’.

“Trying and failing is always better than not trying at all, and any movement is good for your body.”