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Runner walks final London Marathon mile six months on after cardiac arrest

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Hopkins underwent extensive rehabilitation at St Thomas' Hospital, where he spent time in intensive care and had to relearn how to walk, talk, and eat before his September discharge. His brother, Chris, credited St John Ambulance with saving his life on the course and intends to run the event in 2027 to raise money for the organization. Hopkins originally entered the marathon in memory of his grandmother, generating £2,900 for Age UK alongside nearly £36,000 raised separately to support his family while he remains unable to work.

Key points

  • Hopkins completed his marathon goal six months late after relearning basic life skills in…: Hopkins completed his marathon goal six months late after relearning basic life skills including walking, talking, and eating.
  • Medical restrictions now permanently prohibit Hopkins from entering and running in any fu…: Medical restrictions now permanently prohibit Hopkins from entering and running in any future marathon events.
  • Fundraising efforts yielded £2,900 for Age UK and nearly £36,000 to assist Hopkins' famil…: Fundraising efforts yielded £2,900 for Age UK and nearly £36,000 to assist Hopkins' family while he is unable to work.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Man walks final London Marathon mile six months on

- Published

A runner who suffered a cardiac arrest at the 25th mile of the London Marathon has finally "finished what I started" - by walking the last mile, six months later.

Gareth Hopkins, 43, a paramedic from Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, collapsed during the historic race on 26 April when his heart stopped due to severe rhabdomyolysis, caused by overheating.

He completed the "unofficial" final mile on Sunday, walking through the capital by Buckingham Place and along The Mall with family, friends and supporters, a month after leaving hospital.

He said he was "nervous", adding: "Everyone calls me a hero, that I inspire people, I just feel happy it went really well and it was a lot better than I thought."

The marathon novice had been taking part for the first time in April with his brother Chris, raising funds for Age UK in honour of their grandmother, Tricia Petts, who died in January 2025.

Chris will now run his third London Marathon in 2027 to raise money for St John Ambulance,…

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