After a life-changing injury left him paralyzed from the waist down, Darren Awol is about to do something extraordinary. Fourteen years after surviving an unprovoked shooting in south-east London, the 42-year-old will take part in this year’s London Marathon. Once told he’d never walk again, Darren defied expectations through sheer determination and self-belief. With the help of elbow crutches, leg splints, and support from his brother and physiotherapist, he plans to walk key parts of the race, including Tower Bridge and the finish line, and use a wheelchair for the remainder.
His journey from despair to hope has inspired many. Darren credits his young son as his greatest motivation and says gym workouts became a form of therapy that helped him rebuild his confidence. For him, the marathon isn’t about the medal but about showing others what’s possible. By sharing his story, he hopes to encourage anyone facing hardship to keep going and believe in themselves. Crossing the finish line will be a personal victory, but Darren wants it to send a message to others: showing up for life is its own kind of triumph.