Walking downstairs left me exhausted, now I'm running a marathon to say thanks

In just 7 weeks’ time Luke Frith will be taking on the biggest challenge of his life — running the London Marathon 2026. Here's why ... I’m running for Osteoporosis 2000, a small patient-led charity based in Sheffield that supports people living with osteoporosis, including my grandma who has lived with the condition since she was a child.

But this marathon is about much more than just the race.

Growing up, I spent a lot of time in hospital after being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E.). When my mum had to be at work, my grandma was the one who was always there for me. She would sit with me so I could be home-schooled through the hospital, making sure I kept up with school even when life felt very different to everyone else’s.

When the fatigue was at its worst, I’d spend most of the day sleeping on her sofa because I was so exhausted. She was always there, looking after me, making sure I was okay.

Some of my favourite memories from those times are the quieter moments we shared together. Cooking in the kitchen. Baking cakes. Just spending time together when I didn’t have the energy for much else.

She gave me so much of her time, patience and care during one of the hardest periods of my life.

Now it feels like it’s my turn to give something back.

Running 26.2 miles through London is something I once couldn’t have imagined. There was a time when I couldn’t walk to the end of the street and needed a wheelchair just to get outside. Even walking downstairs would leave me so exhausted I’d feel physically sick.