Ollie | London Marathon 2026

With the London Marathon just days away, thousands of runners will be taking on 26.2 miles through the capital – each for their own very personal reason.

We’re incredibly proud of the runners who are part of #TeamCHSF this year, and are pulling on their trainers to raise vital funds for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.

Meet Ollie dad to heart hero Alex…

What made you choose to run the London Marathon for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund?

“I’ve been running for over 10 years and have always dreamed of doing the London Marathon but never made it in through the ballot. I had considered going for a charity place but wanted it to be for a cause that was genuinely special for me.

 

“Then when my son Alex had heart surgery last summer he and my family received such fantastic support from the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund that I wanted to do whatever I could to raise awareness and money for this wonderful little charity.

 

“If I hadn’t got a charity place for London I’d have found another event to enter for CHSF, but as it happens I’m able to help CHSF raise funds at the same time as ticking off a bucket list adventure!”

Can you share a little bit more about your connection to CHSF?

“My son Alex was diagnosed antenatally with a right aortic arch with aberrant subclavian artery; initially after birth these didn’t appear to be causing him any issues, but when we started weaning at six months it became clear that he was struggling to swallow solids.

 

“Eventually it was decided that surgery was required, which he underwent at Leeds General Infirmary in June 2025, when he was 17 months old. The care he received from the doctors, nurses and support staff in Leeds was exceptional, as was the support from CHSF.

 

“Thanks to CHSF my wife and I were able to stay in hospital accommodation to be close to Alex at all times, rather than driving back and forth between Leeds and Sheffield, and their daily trips to the ward to visit Alex with treats made his (and our) day!

 

“Nine months post surgery Alex is recovering really well and still loves the Katie Bear that CHSF gave him on discharge.”

How has your marathon training gone so far?

“It’s been eventful – despite being a regular runner I am increasingly injury prone and late last year had to have minor surgery myself to repair an abdominal hernia, which forced me to rest for several weeks and restarted my training from a lower base of fitness.

 

“It’s always tough marathon training during the cold and wet winter months – I’m hoping that marathon day itself isn’t too hot as I’m not prepared for warm weather running, although I did manage a few short, sweaty runs on a family holiday to Gran Canaria in January.

 

“One of my good friends, Andy, is also running the London Marathon for CHSF, so we’ve done some of our longer training runs in the Peak District together, which has made them much more enjoyable.”

What’s been the most rewarding part of training? What’s been the most difficult part?

“The most difficult part is heading out on 3+ hour runs on a freezing Sunday morning when all you want to do is enjoy a lie in and leisurely breakfast with your family, particularly after you’ve worked all week and so haven’t spent as much time with them as you’d like.

 

“And forcing myself to do strength training to avoid injuries when I’d much rather just run!

 

“But it’s been rewarding to see my fitness slowly coming back after my enforced break following surgery and to discover that I am still capable of running long distances.

 

“I ran the Sheffield Half Marathon on 29 March (which I do every year), but this year it was a training run rather than going for a fast time – I’m hoping that will be a rewarding experience if it turns out I can hold my marathon pace for that long…”

What does supporting CHSF mean to you?

“It means a huge amount – it was a charity I hadn’t heard of before Alex’s surgery, and I’m always keen to help smaller charities that don’t necessarily get the exposure of the major charities that we’re all aware of (I used to be a trustee for a small charity set up by some friends that supports bereaved families and have raised funds for them in the past).

 

“Having seen how the work of CHSF lifts the spirits of children (and their families) going through really difficult times I think it’s such a worthwhile cause, and knowing that I can help other families going through what we did have a much more (Katie)bear-able experience is going to really motivate me on marathon day.”

Is there anything you’d like to say to the people who’ve supported or sponsored you?

“Massive thank you – I’ve been overwhelmed by how generous people have been, including donations from people that I don’t even know or who I’ve not seen for years.

 

“Some have even helped by sharing the link on their own social media channels which has been fantastic.

 

“I was worried about hitting my fundraising target but did so nearly two months before the marathon, so thanks again to everyone who has supported me and wished me luck!”

Where can people donate to your fundraising page?

www.justgiving.com/page/oliver-carlisle-2

And finally, what’s your go-to motivational running song?

“I have whole playlists dedicated to running, but without wanting to be too obvious ‘Born To Run’ by Bruce Springsteen always puts a spring(steen) in my step!

 

“Alex’s favourite phrase right now is ‘Run Daddy, Run!’ which I have engraved on some lace tags on my running shoes and which I will have in my mind through all 26.2 miles on the big day.”

A huge thank you to all our #TeamCHSF 2026 London Marathon runners!

We’re so proud of every single one of you and wish you the very best of luck on race day.