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James · 24-04-2007, 05:33 PM

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Makosi collapses during London Marathon

By Showbiz Reporter
Last updated: 04/24/2007 11:31:01

BIG Brother star Makosi Musambasi was rushed to a London hospital late Sunday after collapsing during the London Marathon.

Makosi, 26, took part in the 26.2 mile race (about 42.1km) to raise money for charity, but succumbed to the searing heat after having done 22 miles in close to 10 hours.

A man died during the race, the largest of its kind in the world. The race drew about 35 000 runners from all over the world, including celebrities taking part to raise money for their chosen charities.

Makosi was rushed to the White Charpel Hospital by an ambulance gasping for breath, and with severe blisters on her feet.

She was released early Monday, still struggling to walk.

She said: "I would not do this for money. In fact I wouldn't walk a mile even if I was being paid for it."

Makosi was on the start line with two former Big Brother housemates, Kinga and Michelle.

Kinga lasted just 10 miles, but determined Makosi pressed on until she collapsed into the arms of a doctor David Jones, who was also running the marathon.

She revealed: "I can't feel my feet. They have blisters all over and I am bathing in salt, proper salt."

She insists she would have finished the race had volunteers giving out water bottles not packed-in once the majority of runners had crossed the finish line.

Said Makosi: "I had already taken four 250ml bottles of water, but by the time we got to Canary Wharf, all the water people were gone. The Lucozade (energy drink) really gave you a buzz and you could do four more miles.

"I only had porridge in the morning, that's all I went on. I am certain I would have finished the race if the water people had stayed. The ambulance that took me to hospital came 30 minutes later. I signed up not to run the marathon but to do it, but it seems they thought everyone would be running."

As she was released from hospital, Makosi revealed her dad -- a tough former police officer -- was less than impressed with her failure to finish.

"He said I was a coward," revealed Makosi. "I think it's a massive achievement. I spend most of my time in cars, and to suddenly find myself running 22 miles is an achievement. I am just disappointed slightly that I couldn't do a mile for every year that I have lived on earth."

Makosi stood to raise £7000 if she had finished the race, but could now get half of that to donate to the Get Kids Going charity for disabled children.

She has vowed to run again next year.

"What I realised about the human body is that you can push it as far as you want, because I never really imagined myself doing a mile on foot. It was a hot day, a terribly hot day. After conquering 22 miles, I can conquer anything," she said.

Makosi, who came third in the UK Big Brother TV show two years ago, launched a children's charity earlier this year.

The former cardiac nurse has dedicated her immediate future to charity, although she also plans on an acting career.

Help Makosi reach her fund raising target. Click here to DONATE - http://www.justgiving.com/makosi/

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