Harry O’Callaghan explains how his friend Jason, an elite golfer and former firefighter who lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy, has inspired him to run a 95km ultramarathon from his home city of Cambridge to the Emirates Stadium in North London.
He lives with daily pain and yet continues to show strength. I’m doing this for him.
This ultramarathon isn’t just about challenging myself to run a distance, it’s about my friend Jason – a fellow lifelong Gooner, former London firefighter, elite disability golfer, and one of the most inspiring people I know. A real-life hero.
“I’m doing this challenge for Jason, and to raise money for others like him who are living with a muscle wasting condition. It’s about increasing awareness, breaking down barriers, and making sure people can get the support they need to live life to the full.”
Jason was diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy in 2018. He was a firefighter and keen sportsman. He played all kinds of sport, but as his condition progressed, he became less able to do some of the more physical activities. In 2021, after 22 years of service, he had to take early retirement from the London Fire Brigade, leaving a job he loved. But he still loved sport and wanted to do something for his wellbeing, which is how he got into golf, a sport he now plays at an elite European level.
Golf is also how Jason and I became friends. Five or six years ago, I bumped into him at a golf club in Cambridge. We got chatting in the club shop and it wasn’t long before we became friends. We bonded over our shared love of sport, everything from golf to football. We’re both keen Arsenal fans so often watch games together. It was from our early conversations that I first learnt about muscular dystrophy.
I had never heard of any type of muscular dystrophy before meeting Jason. It was eye-opening.
“Here is someone living with a progressive condition which is making daily life an uphill battle, but instead of slowing down, he’s found ways to keep moving – whether that’s playing golf at an elite level or raising awareness for others living with a similar condition.”
Jason inspires me with his selfless attitude and positive mindset. He’s got an electric personality, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in a bad mood. He’ll be the first to congratulate you if something goes well and always remembers the small things. I know that he lives with pain, but he never complains and refuses to be defined by his condition. That’s why I wanted to do this – to help shine a light on his story, raise money and increase awareness. It’s important to understand more about conditions like this, so that as a community we can help.
As a nod to our shared love of football, I’m starting my ultramarathon at Cambridge United FC’s ground, Cledara Abbey Stadium, and will finish inside Arsenal’s home ground in North London.
I’m so chuffed that we’re being welcomed inside the Emirates Stadium for the end of the run. Jason and I are both lifelong Gooners, so this is the perfect way to end the challenge! We’re hoping that some London firefighters will also be able to join me for the last stretch of the run in support of their ex-colleague, standing in solidarity with Jason and everyone affected by muscular dystrophy.
This will be the biggest challenge I’ve ever done but I keep reminding myself that the pain I’ll feel is temporary. Jason and many others live with daily pain and yet continue to show strength, courage and drive. This is for them. And Jason will be alongside me in the support vehicle throughout the day, so if I have any low moments, I’m sure he’ll spur me on!
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