Residents of Doncaster and Mexborough might recognise South Africa-born Ellie from her clinical role – however, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to her life.
Despite already taking on the Ironman World Championships and the Ice Swimming World Championships in late 2024 and early 2025, Ellie pushed herself even further last year with two extraordinary challenges: a relay swim across the English Channel and the iconic New York City Marathon.
Last September, Ellie completed her 21-mile relay swim in 17 hours and 34 minutes alongside five other women, none of whom knew each other prior but have since formed a watertight bond.
Reflecting on the gruelling conditions, Ellie said: “We had everything against us – the riptides and jellyfish were unforgiving. We almost didn’t make it to the end, even our observer wasn’t sure we would.
“This seemed to spur us on more – we started chanting and singing to each other to motivate us and it worked!”
Just over a month later, Ellie jetted off to the US to race in the New York Marathon. Despite the rapid turnaround, she achieved a Time Qualifier, meaning she automatically secured a place in a future race based on her finishing time for her age category.
She explained: “After the relay, I was so exhausted mentally and physically, but I knew I had to get stuck into training for the marathon.
“I’ve ran the London Marathon in the past and now New York; I think I want to complete the Boston Marathon next.”
Just a week after running New York, Ellie swapped trainers for wedding heels and took to the waters once again to marry her fiancé, John, on a cruise in the Bahamas.
Since then, Ellie has represented Team GB at the European/African Ice Swimming Championships in Molveno, Italy, bringing home a silver medal.
After an intense couple of years, Ellie plans to take a break from competing for the rest of 2026, focusing instead on refining her technique and race strategy.
Ellie added: “Ice swimming is getting more popular, which is fantastic. I am thinking about going for the world championships but changing direction and competing in the breaststroke category instead.
“Me and the girls who I completed the relay with are meeting up in June to take on Chillswim Coniston – we can’t sit still for too long!”
Mark Bailey, Interim Chair of the Board at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), said: “Ellie’s commitment to everything she does for our country, from her work at our orthopaedic centre to representing us at European and international sporting events, is truly motivating.
We are full of admiration and respect for her, and we know that no matter what she puts her mind to, she can succeed. A huge congratulations, Ellie – Team DBTH are truly fortunate to have you!”