Jono Whitehead became a full-time wheelchair user after being diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy in 2018. Now, he is fulfilling a lifelong dream as he prepares to self-propel the entire 26.2 miles at TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26 April with his brother Mat running alongside him. We spoke to him ahead of the big day.
"I always dreamed of running": wheelchair user to self-propel round iconic London Marathon
I’ve got a life-long muscle wasting condition, in my case caused by my body’s genetic inability to create the protein dysferlin. Dysferlinopathy, or limb girdle muscular dystrophy, has caused my calf, hip, and shoulder muscles to weaken over time, and I now use a wheelchair to get around the majority of the time.
I was never very good at sports, and it wasn’t until I received my diagnosis aged 27 that it made sense why. In 2021, I saw an article about a Paralympian from my hometown and was inspired to take up sports.
Since then, I’ve tried wheelchair rugby, boccia, frame running, wheelchair racing, seated throwing, and many more. I always dreamed of running, but could never really manage it, but since using a wheelchair, I’ve been so much more active.
After seeing how many amazing people completed the London Marathon 2025, I couldn’t resist signing up for a marathon place with Muscular Dystrophy UK. This is going to be the most difficult thing I’ve ever done, but it’s going to be worth it.
By taking part and completing the 26.2-mile course, it represents the journey I’ve been on, and to have my brother by my side will be an amazing feeling. Hopefully, the money we raise will do some good and help support other people diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.
Support Jono by donating through his JustGiving page here.
Read about our other marathon runners
Here about our inspirational runners at this year’s London Marathon
