“In those toughest moments, I know what will keep me going is that I’m running for everyone with CF”

Liam’s story 

My name is Liam, I'm 63 and I come from Tyrone in the North of Ireland. I have been running marathons, campaigning for life-saving drugs and spreading awareness of CF for the last 33 years since my daughter Rachel was born with CF.  

With the marathon being so close now, I am really excited for the big day. Every year I run London it just gets better and better. The atmosphere is electric.  When I'm struggling with my injuries during training or on marathon day, I always tell myself to keep going as my pain is only temporary. When I stop running my pain subsides, but those living with CF suffer every day. This always helps me get through the pain barrier to get me over that finish line. 

I have met so many people over the years with CF or families affected by CF and have made so many wonderful friends. It's been an amazing journey, and I really hope that I can continue to keep going and see the job done: A life unlimited for everyone with CF. 

Beth’s story 

I’m Beth, I’m 32 and have CF. I have two daughters and massively enjoy exercise as part of my CF physio routine and for my mental health.  

I’m running London this year for #TeamCF as I stand by my CF brothers and sisters to raise as much money and awareness so one day there will be a cure and it doesn’t have to be this scary unknown place to be. The Trust and their vital research has allowed me to still be here for my children and even attempt to run a marathon! 

When training gets tough my reason WHY gets me through: my CF brothers and sisters I’ve lost along the way. I can feel them with every step I take. If you’re even 1% thinking of entering to ballot to run next year or any year… do it!  

Ewan’s story 

I’m Ewan and I’m running the London Marathon for my fiancée Matilda, who has CF. I’ve been there through all the highs and lows of cystic fibrosis and seen how it impacts her.  

Matilda is incredibly strong; she’s the strongest person I know and her resilience, and the resilience and courage of everybody with CF, inspires me and is what made me want to run the London Marathon for Cystic Fibrosis Trust and play my small part. 

In those toughest moments, I know what will keep me going is that I’m running for everyone with CF. I hope the money I raise will go towards more research, so we can get to a point where CF is not even a thing anymore. It just doesn’t exist. It might not be for Matilda’s generation, but for future generations. That’s my hope.  

Kieran’s story 

I'm Kieran, I'm 27, and I have cystic fibrosis.  

Last year my friend and I got into running. We started slowly and took it easy, but surprisingly we really enjoyed it. I decided to try my luck and enter the ballot to run the London Marathon for Team CF and I was shocked and excited when I got a place. I knew it was time to fully commit to my training and tell my friends and family the great news. They were also quite shocked because I’ve never run a marathon before but they were really supportive and proud that I’m going for it and can now tick it off my bucket list.  

I’m feeling really positive about taking on this massive challenge because I like to push myself and try new things. I’ve never allowed my CF to stop me from taking on epic challenges and when the training gets tough, my biggest motivation will be the fact that I’m running for the Trust and raising funds for the CF community. I know this will keep me going and give me the strength I need to make it to the finish line! 

Rory’s story 

I’m running the London Marathon this year for my partner’s daughter Zara. If you met Zara, you’d have no idea she lives with CF — she’s in amazing shape, always working out, always laughing and having fun, and living life to the fullest. Yet, knowing her daily regimen and the constant vigilance required, I’m inspired by her resilience.  

Sports have always been a big part of my life — I’m an avid open water swimmer and I’ve completed four marathons, though it’s been over a decade since my last one. Events like this give me a great reason to take training seriously again, and I love the sense of purpose they bring. 

When training gets tough, I draw on Zara’s incredible determination. Seeing her thrive despite CF reminds me that my challenges are minor compared to hers. Running also clears my mind and gives me clarity, which keeps me motivated to push through setbacks. My fiancé serves as a Trustee at Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and hearing from her about the charity's passion gives me confidence that one day, those with CF will truly be unlimited by their condition.