Danial Ahern, 31, will run the iconic event to raise funds for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), a decision inspired by his friendship with para-athlete James Ledger.
James is a sprinter with bilateral coloboma and nystagmus, conditions which affect his sight meaning he’s registered blind.
The pair met in school and soon became inseparable, bonding over a love of sport and a shared competitive spirit. Although Danial enjoyed his own successes in boxing, competing for both Wales and Great Britain, he always looked up to James and his achievements in athletics.
Having started running as a teenager with the Swansea Harriers, James has since competed at events all over the world, including the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast, narrowly missing out on last year’s Paralympics through injury.
Danial, a Commercial Training Manager for a company based in Swansea and Cardiff, said: “I’ve known James since we were in primary school, and I’ve always admired the way he hasn’t let sight loss slow him down. He faced quite a few challenges when we were younger, but he faced them head on and he’s gone on to achieve some amazing things like competing at the Commonwealth games.”
This will be Danial’s first time running the London Marathon, having unsuccessfully applied 10 times in the past. When deciding on a cause to support, the decision was clear.
Danial said: “I’ve done a few half marathons for different charities in memory of my nan, but this time around it only felt right to run in recognition of James and everything we’ve been through together.
“I want to raise awareness of some of the difficult things he’s gone through, but also celebrate all his achievements. He’s been my friend for as long as I can remember, he was by best man at my wedding, and I can’t wait do this in recognition of that friendship.”
Nathan Owen, RNIB Cymru External Affairs Manager said: “We’re so pleased that Danial is supporting our work by running the London Marathon. His hard work and dedication will help us continue to support blind and partially sighted people in Swansea and beyond, and we’re extremely grateful to him and everyone running for us this year.”
Danial’s now concentrating on staying in top form ahead of the big day on April 27. He’s still hoping to raise as much money for RNIB as possible – his fundraising page can be found here.
