Woman who claimed £20,000 benefits saying she 'couldn't stand to cook' ran marathons

A benefits cheat was caught out claiming thousands in disability allowances while actively participating in marathons.

Sara Morris was convicted of fraudulently claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) since 2020. Despite being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2005, she was found to be exaggerating the severity of her condition while regularly taking part in marathon races.

The 49-year-old reportedly told the DWP that she was unable to stand at the cooker, had balance issues and struggled to get out of the bath without help. She also claimed that her anxiety was so severe that a simple trip to the pharmacy often reduced her to tears.

She applied for the benefit in November 2020 and underwent a face-to-face consultation in January 2021 which determined the rate of PIP she would receive. From then on, she was overpaid more than £20,000 in benefits from October 2020 to April 2023, receiving over £2,000 in one month due to backpay the Stoke Sentinel reported.

However, she conveniently omitted to inform the DWP that she was an active member of the Stone Master Marathoners and regularly competed in both 5km and 10km races. Morris has now been sentenced to eight months jail by Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court after admitting to dishonestly making a false statement to obtain a benefit.

Prosecutor Regan Walters: "The benefit was paid on the basis she would notify the DWP of any changes which affected the amount of benefits. The defendant signed and dated the PIP claim form on November 20, 2020 and signed the declaration."

"On January 21, 2021 she had a face-to-face consultation. The payment was calculated and authorised from that stage. If the defendant had disclosed the information the PIP would not have been awarded. There was an overpayment of £20,528.83."

He revealed that the DWP had obtained photographs from Facebook posts by Morris herself showing her participating in marathons, races and orienteering. One photo was taken a month after she signed her initial claim form and she was also seen taking part in a competitive run two days before making her initial claim.

Mr Walters pointed out that not only did Morris fail to update the DWP regarding a change in her condition but in her claim she also reported needing assistance in almost every aspect of her life as she claimed she struggled to stand and had balance difficulties.

Mr Walters added: "The defendant exaggerated her issues throughout the claim process."

In February last year, investigators carried out surveillance on the mum-of-three revealing that she took part in a five-mile race without assistance and showed no signs of balance problems or discomfort.

The defendant was interviewed last May and claimed her MS had deteriorated, causing increased fatigue. She confessed to joining a running club before her claim and said she completed the forms based on her symptoms at their worst.

Barrister Paul Cliff, speaking to Stoke Sentinel, noted that MS severity "ebbs and flows to a degree" and pointed out that Morris' marriage breakdown in spring 2020 led to her losing her home and struggling financially.

He continued: "The application did not give the full picture. She did say running was one of the ways she tried to manage her MS. She has found it difficult to come to terms with her dishonesty."

A proceeds of crime hearing is set for November 25.