On April 3rd, 2025, our lives changed forever. My dad was involved in a devastating road bike accident that left him paralysed from the neck down.

He spent two incredibly tough weeks in intensive care, battling serious complications. While we’re incredibly grateful he stabilised, the reality is heartbreaking, he now has little to no movement and faces an uncertain, deeply challenging road ahead.

After months in hospital, he is now back home and undergoing full-time rehabilitation. This is a huge step forward, but also the beginning of a completely new battle, one that is physical, emotional, and relentless for him and all of us around him.

The long-term goal is to help him regain as much independence as possible, but the reality is that every day is hard fought. As a family, we’ve had to adapt quickly to a future we never imagined.

In the middle of all this, we also welcomed our first baby girl, Millie, into the world, bringing a huge sense of joy, purpose, and motivation, especially for Dad.

Aspire has been nothing short of a lifeline. From providing essential technology to improve Dad’s quality of life, to giving us reassurance and support when we needed it most, they’ve made a real, tangible difference during the darkest moments.

That’s why I’m running for Aspire.

I’m doing this for my mum and dad, to honour his resilience, courage, and fighting spirit, but also for the thousands of others living with spinal cord injuries who are facing the same uphill climb.

A spinal injury doesn’t just affect mobility. It impacts independence, dignity, mental health, and every part of daily life. Aspire helps bridge that gap, but they need support to keep doing it.

I don’t take asking for help lightly, but if you’re able to donate, share, or even just take a moment to read this, it genuinely means a lot.

Every step I take is for those who can’t, and with your support, we can make a difference.

My dad completed two London Marathons, with a best time of 3:58k, that’s the time I’m chasing.

Thank you so much,

James Russ