Other Sport / London Marathon
Runner with Cystic Fibrosis takes on London Marathon for charity
A runner living with Cystic Fibrosis is currently training to run the London Marathon 2025.
Finlay Thornell, a digital marketing assistant at Crayside Consulting in Emersons Green, is setting himself this latest challenge with the aim of increasing awareness of the condition and raising £2,500 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
“Training for this marathon won’t be easy, but neither is living with Cystic Fibrosis,” he says with undeniable confidence.
is needed now More than ever
Finlay, who was born at Southmead Hospital, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) at only six months old after rapidly losing weigh lose. He says as CF affects his lungs and digestion, growing up meant a steady diet of daily medication and enzyme supplements, physiotherapy and regular hospital visits.
As a result, he says: “Growing up, hospital stays were challenging and during my visits I could be in there for weeks at a time; this is where my lung function would often drop significantly and I would be fighting for my future.”
These trips he says were typically due to lung infections that are people with CF are more susceptible to.
Despite the challenges, he adds “I always found ways to keep pushing forward. One moment that really stood out was when I was in the hospital and had the opportunity to hold the Olympic torch.
“It was a surreal experience that made me realise I wanted to do something bigger with my life, something that would inspire others and ensure I would not be defined by CF. I would not allow it to hold me back.”
A young Finlay holding the Olympic torch as it made its way to the Olympic Stadium in time for the hosting of the olympic Games 2012
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, causing infections and digestion problems. This causes lung infections and problems with digesting food.
Symptoms usually start in early childhood and can vary from person to person, but ultimately is degenerative to the lungs and digestive system and shortens life expectancy.
CF presents a number of other challenges and can people with the condition can develop related conditions.
An avid runner from a young age, seen here running for the Westbury Harriers
Finlay says the biggest lesson he has learned is resilience, explaining “When I was younger, I sometimes felt different because of my condition, but over time, I embraced it.”
After embracing his condition, it dawned on him that it wasn’t just enjoyment he was obtaining from exercise, but that it also improved is wellbeing and symptoms.
He has continued pushing, stepping into the ring for a charity boxing fight in 2024. “It was one of the hardest things I’ve done, both mentally and physically, but winning that fight was proof that I could take on any challenge, no matter the odds.”
Conversely the challenge doesn’t end once he has achieved a particular goal, adding that just to feel normal “I have to work really hard behind the scenes, whether it’s managing medications, staying active, or balancing my health with everything else in life.
“I don’t bring it up unless it’s relevant, but when people do find out, they’re usually quite interested since CF isn’t widely understood. I get a lot of questions, and I try to use those moments to educate people.”
Finlay says he is both excited and nervous for the race, but has already got it sights set on what’s next.
All photos: Finlay Thornell
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