Side by Side to the Finish Line – Stephen's Story

I’m 26 years old and a full-time wheelchair user with cerebral palsy. In 2021, my family and I discovered running, not just as a sport, but as a way to experience the world together. It began as a simple idea: getting outdoors, sharing time as a family, and finding a way for me to be at the heart of it all.

As a wheelchair user, independence means everything to me. It’s the freedom to explore, to choose, and to live life to the fullest. That’s why Whizz Kidz is a charity so close to my heart. Their mission - to support children to gain independence through the right mobility equipment - is something I’ve believed in for as long as I can remember.

When I was younger, I saw friends receive life‑changing support from Whizz Kidz. I saw how the right equipment didn’t just improve mobility, it opened doors, built confidence, and transformed lives. Supporting Whizz Kidz through fundraising feels deeply personal, because their work helps young people like me live the lives they deserve.

Running has become a big part of that journey. For the past three years, my dad and I have taken on the Brighton Marathon together. This year felt extra special. We had already committed to Brighton as a family when we found out we’d secured a place in the London Marathon too. Even better, mum is joining us, pushing and running alongside us. This will be our very first marathon together as a family, and the excitement we feel is hard to put into words. Crossing the finish line side by side will be an unforgettable moment.

Training hasn’t been easy. Winter long runs of up to 30km have meant wet socks, aching arms, and over three hours of pushing in cold, windy conditions. There have been moments when it felt incredibly tough. But through it all, we’ve stayed positive, encouraging each other every step of the way. Those hours spent training together have brought us even closer, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

I’ve been sharing our running journey on Instagram, and the response has completely blown my mind. The kindness, encouragement and support from people I’ve never even met means more to us than they’ll ever know. Knowing that others are rooting for us has carried us through the hardest training days. Through running and Parkrun, we’ve built friendships, found an incredible community, and truly changed my life for the better.

When training gets tough, we focus on one moment - the finish line of the London Marathon. I’m determined to try and walk over it. Not just for me, but for my family. It would be an incredibly powerful moment, something we can look back on for years to come. More than anything, I hope it shows others like me that with the right support, anything is possible.

We’re also incredibly lucky to be joined by two close friends, Sarah and Marian. Their unwavering support and involvement in our journey has meant the world, and sharing this experience with them makes it even more special.

To anyone considering fundraising for Whizz Kidz, I can honestly say: go for it. They are a warm, welcoming charity who genuinely value every fundraiser and every pound raised. Knowing that our efforts can help give a child independence, confidence, and freedom is the greatest motivation of all.

Together, we’re not just running marathons - we’re running toward a future where every young person has the chance to live life to the full.