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Emneth man completes London Marathon with help from his family and friends for Asthma and Lung UK




A Fenland man who crossed the finish line at the London Marathon with support from his loved ones says it was an experience he will “never forget”.

Gerry Ryan, 64, of Emneth, was diagnosed with severe emphysema in 2021, and after getting his head around it he decided to raise money for the charity that looks after him, Asthma and Lung UK.

Having always been a singer, he produced ‘The Diamond Motown show’, from which he has fundraised for Asthma and Lung UK and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Respiratory unit in King’s Lynn for the past year – since gathering more than £2,000 with the help of his family and friends.

Gerry completes the London Marathon
Gerry completes the London Marathon

Gerry decided to take part in the London Marathon when he received an email from Asthma and Lung UK's team asking if he would like to apply for a wheelchair place.

He said: “Of course I jumped at the chance, it's another challenge for me, so I had to enter a ballot and I was lucky enough to be picked out.”

On Sunday, Gerry crossed the finishing line of the 26-mile course on foot with his sons Mark, Daniel and Billy and their friend Arpad who helped him all the way, completing it in seven hours and 15 minutes.

Gerry with his three sons and his good friend
Gerry with his three sons and his good friend
The medal Gerry received
The medal Gerry received

Gerry said: “It was an amazing experience and very emotional which I will never ever forget.

“I obviously was in my wheelchair but did walk some of the course on the instruction of my lung surgeon and I did walk across the finish line with my sons and friend.”

Gerry would like to thank all his family, friends and all the local businesses including Russell's Butchers Upwell, the Downham Tandoori, Banks Barbers Wisbech, KR Electrical Wisbech, the Royal British Legion Upwell, the Inn Place Lanzarote, Betty Boops Lanzarote, The Spinnaker Lanzarote, March United Services Club, Sutton Bridge Constituional Club and many more.



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