“I lost the life I had, but I refuse to let my condition define me”: Running the London Marathon for Muscular Dystrophy UK
Oliver Teather, 35, from Lincoln was diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) nine years ago, aged 26. The rare muscle wasting condition meant that he had to give up skydiving, a sport he loved, but he’s determined not to let it define him. Intent on pushing himself and helping others, Oliver is taking part in the London Marathon on Sunday 26 April. Running in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK, he and his team, which includes world-record endurance athlete Nick Butter, hope to raise £10,000 to help fund research into his condition.
Explaining why he applied for the London Marathon, Oliver said: “Living with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) has taught me that every step matters. Every single one. When people ask me why I chose to tackle a marathon, the answer is simple: because I refuse to let my condition define what I can and can’t do. I want to show what’s possible when you have the right support, the right training partners, and a cause worth fighting for.”
Oliver will not be taking on the London Marathon alone as British endurance athlete Nick Butter is joining him as his support runner. As the first and only person to run a marathon in every country in the world, and over 1,000 marathons under his belt, Nick is well positioned to provide training tips and support on the day. They will also be joined by Oliver’s friend Esme Hall, a Personal Trainer who helped him train to climb Everest Base Camp and ran the Lincoln 10k with him last April.
“I’m honoured that Nick Butter is joining Esme and I on this challenge,” said Oliver. “Nick has run over 1,000 marathons and brings a wealth of experience to this journey. His dedication and purpose remind me every day that running can be a powerful force for change. In this case, I’m running for a cure, hoping to raise as much as possible for Muscular Dystrophy UK to help fund research into my condition.”
Oliver was 21 when he first noticed that something wasn’t quite right with his muscles, but it took another five years, when he was in Australia, before he was diagnosed with FSHD.
“I clearly remember the day I noticed something was wrong. I had just passed my A Licence for skydiving and was going for my B Licence. I was in the drop zone and as I went to move my right arm up, I couldn’t lift it properly. I proceeded to jump but it just felt wrong. I ended up having to pull my chute early, which was dangerous, but I managed to land safely. That was the last time I skydived.”
Despite multiple GP appointments and tests, no one could tell Oliver what was wrong, until five years later. Oliver explains: “I had moved to Australia to live and started experiencing problems again, like Achilles pain and fluid in my knee. A doctor did some genetic tests and discovered I had FSHD. I had never heard of muscular dystrophy before and had no understanding of what it meant. I was told there was no cure and I remember breaking down in the knowledge that I’d lost the life I had. I was on the other side of the world and felt very alone.
“Every day I live with the reality of muscular dystrophy and my muscles getting weaker. It can be a struggle and training for the London Marathon has been challenging. Over the last few years, I’ve experienced the uncertainty, the gradual changes, but also the constant hope that tomorrow’s research might bring breakthrough treatments. And that’s why I’m doing this as every pound donated matters. This isn’t about me crossing a finish line after 26.2 miles – although that will be incredible! – it’s about funding research that could change everything. Not just for me, but for everyone else living with a muscle wasting condition. This is proving that together we can make a difference that lasts far beyond marathon day.”
Part of that joint mission to make a difference is world-record endurance athlete Nick Butter. The TCS London Marathon 2026 will be Nick’s 1,108th marathon, but his first time running for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Explaining why he agreed to join Oliver as his support runner, Nick said: "Of all the marathons I’ve run around the world, this one feels particularly meaningful. Oliver’s story is one of quiet strength, resilience, and refusal to be defined by his condition. When he asked me to run alongside him, it was an immediate yes. Not because of the miles, but because of what those miles represent. This is about showing what’s possible, raising awareness, and supporting research that could change lives. I’m proud to be part of his team."
Oliver and his team are hoping to raise £10,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK by running the London Marathon. Follow their journey at www.justgiving.com/page/runningforacureldn26
Find out more about Muscular Dystrophy UK at www.musculardystrophyuk.org