From couch to 26 miles, how a runner trained in 20 weeks for the London Marathon for charity

When the takes place this Sunday, 27 April, more people than ever will be lacing up their trainers to take on the world-famous . Among them is Ciaran Carney-Hughes, a first-time marathon runner who never imagined he’d be tackling this iconic course.

The race, which has happened annually since 1981, is more than just a sporting event. It’s a celebration of resilience, community and heart. With over 56,000 participants expected this year, the .

For many, the race is about personal achievement. But for Ciaran, 29, it’s about honouring the woman who saved his wife’s life by donating vital organs. His run is in memory of this stranger he’ll never meet, but whose impact he will carry with him every step of the way.

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"I’m running for the woman who gave my wife a second chance," says Ciaran. "She died of an asthma attack, but had chosen to donate her organs. Her heart now beats in my wife’s chest."

Ciaran’s wife, Charlotte, was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy when she was 19 years old. The rare condition affects the heart’s ability to pump blood, leaving her sleeping up to 20 hours a day, struggling to breathe, and barely able to walk.

After five agonising years, Charlotte was finally told she needed a heart transplant, or she might only have two years left to live. That transplant came in 2018, and after six days in a coma and four weeks in hospital, she began her long journey to recovery.

"Charlotte’s strength has always inspired me," Ciaran explains. "I wanted to take on a challenge of my own, something that would push me, and raise awareness for , the charity I’m running for."

Ciaran had never run even 5K before signing up for the marathon. He credits the 20-week training plan provided by the charity for getting him race-day ready, three runs a week, slowly building up from short jogs to longer distances.

"The first few weeks were rough," he admits. "But once I started ticking off the long runs, I felt a real shift. The routine, the fresh air, the sense of purpose, it all became part of my life."

Like many novice runners, Ciaran found motivation in small milestones. A new personal best, completing his first 10K, and running 18 miles for the first time all reminded him of why he started.

But it wasn’t just about hitting targets, it was about his health, too. "My asthma is well controlled, but training for the marathon has massively improved my cardiovascular fitness," he says. "I feel stronger and healthier than I ever have."

On Sunday, Ciaran will be one of thousands pacing through London’s streets, cheered on by roaring crowds and iconic landmarks. At mile 15, runners will be treated to a music tunnel presented by , the official headphone partner, for a welcome boost during one of the toughest parts of the course.

Ciaran hopes to cross the finish line in under five hours, but his focus is less on the clock and more on the cause. "I want to wear the charity shirt with pride, raise awareness, and enjoy the experience," he says.

For anyone considering taking on the marathon themselves one day, Ciaran has a simple piece of advice: sign up. "Once you commit, you’ll find a way to get through it. The running community is amazing, and the journey is worth every step."

You can support Ciaran and Asthma + Lung UK by donating .