“Why we love... running”

“My wife Sandra, was the first to take up running. It was a way for her to manage her mental health during a particularly challenging time for our family.

“We were facing the reality that our son, Aaron, needed a kidney transplant - and I was the donor. Running turned out to be a huge help to her.

“While Sandra trained and took part in running events, Aaron, 27, and I would support her from the sidelines. It got us thinking – was there a way we could all be involved together as a family? That’s when we discovered assisted running (where a runner gets help from a person or a device). We sourced a running chair from America, and that was the start of our journey. From our very first race together, we were hooked. Running didn’t just become a hobby – it became our lifeline.

“Aaron currently has a custom-built chair made here in Northern Ireland. His chair is designed specifically for road running and marathons. He sits on memory foam, so he is incredibly comfortable. We often joke that it's the Rolls-Royce of running chairs.

The marathon bug

“To date, we’ve completed 54 marathons. Our very first one was back in 2015, right here in Northern Ireland and that's where we caught the marathon bug. Since then, we've taken part in running events across Ireland, as well as in England, Scotland, and even in Boston, USA.

“We recently went to Wales for the weekend, and ran a 5K in Cardiff on the Saturday, followed by a half-marathon in Swansea on the Sunday. A huge part of making this possible is our Motability Scheme car. We have a Ford Transit, which has a tow bar fitted so we can bring the trailer that carries Aaron's running chair. Honestly, without that vehicle, we couldn't do what we do.

Running benefits

“As carers, it’s easy to feel isolated. But when we're out running, all of that disappears. We're out visiting new places, surrounded by people. It gives us a sense of community.

“I’ve also noticed that when disabled children like Aaron transition into adulthood, the support often drops off. Assisted running has given us something meaningful we can enjoy together.

“Being a carer can be both physically and mentally demanding. But running has helped us on both fronts. Physically, it keeps us fit, and mentally, it provides something to look forward to. We've never regretted going for a run, even on the tough days. Once we've been for a run, we always feel better.

Blazing a trail

“When we first looked into running the London Marathon, we found that assisted runners weren't allowed to take part. That’s when we decided to embark on a seven-year campaign to change the rules. In 2022, we succeeded.

“This year, we completed the marathon for the fourth time. The atmosphere was absolutely incredible - around a million people lined the streets, cheering everyone on. We crossed the finish line in 5 hours 25 minutes, and raised just over £2,000 for Little Heroes, a charity that supports the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. This cause is especially close to our hearts, as that's where Aaron had his kidney transplant, and spent a lot of time when he was younger.

“In 2023, Aaron was awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) in the King’s Birthday Honours list for his work in assisted running and disability awareness. As parents, we couldn't be prouder. It's a recognition of his dedication and the impact he's made in the disability community.

“I remember when we did our first London Marathon, it went a bit viral, and people in similar situations started reaching out. They were going through tough times and seeing our story gave them hope. We know what that feels like, and if we can offer even a little light through what we do, that means everything to us.”