A UK woman recently admitted to exaggerating her physical disability claims in order to receive bigger benefits, all the while competing in over 70 running events.
Sara Morris was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2005, but four years ago she applied for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) by exaggerating the extent of her symptoms in order to claim £20,000 ($25,800) that she was not entitled to. According to the evidence presented in court, the 49-year-old woman from Stoke on Trent claimed that she experienced difficulties getting out of the bath unassisted, lacked proper balance and didn’t have the power to stand in front of the gas cooker. Morris also said that she felt so anxious when leaving the house that even a short trip to the pharmacy put her on edge. She was thus able to receive £2,292.63 in benefits per month, while also participating in dozens of 5K and 10K running competitions.
Photo: Sara Morris/Instagram
“The defendant reported receiving assistance in almost every aspect of her life,” prosecutors told the court. “She claimed to experience difficulties with her balance adding she struggles to stand and required supervision from her family. She said she required grab rails in the bathroom and assistance with getting dressed. On some days her stress and anxiety led to her being housebound. She added she used a walking stick when she felt tired and unsteady. The defendant exaggerated her issues throughout the claim process.”
For some reason, Sara Morris felt no need to hide her passion for running on social media, despite knowing she had lied about her physical condition to the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP). Just two days prior to claiming the increased PIP benefits in 2020, the mother-of-three posted photos from a running competition she participated in and then followed that up with many other photos of herself taking part in running events. She was also a registered member of the Stone Master Marathoners.
“The DWP obtained photographs of the defendant and some Facebook posts taken by Morris herself. She had been taking part in marathons, races, and orienteering,” prosecutors said. “On February 5, 2023, she took part in a five-mile race and was seen running without assistance and showed no signs of balance problems. On February 11 she was seen running with the Stone Master Marathoners and showed no signs of discomfort.”
Photo: Sara Morris/Instagram
An investigation revealed that Sara Morris participated in at least 73 races between May 2019 and December 2022. However, on May 11, 2023 she stated her multiple sclerosis had worsened and she was suffering from fatigue. She pleaded guilty to dishonestly making a false statement to obtain financial benefits but added that running was one of the ways she tried to manage her MS. The judge didn’t buy that explanation, though.
“You told lies about the severity of your condition,” Recorder Robert Smith told Morris. “You were awarded the rate for somebody who cannot walk for one single meter. It is awarded to people who are wheelchair-bound or have no legs at all. You were regularly running and competing in organized running events. “This was a planned, professional, and deliberate fraud. You lied through your teeth and severely exaggerated your condition to receive payment.”
Sara Morris has been jailed for eight months, and a proceeds of crime hearing will be held on November 25.
