Stephen Salmon was enlisted in the British Army for five years before falling ill with a neurological infection in 2008 that caused paralysis in his legs and led to his discharge.
Overcoming sepsis and vocal cord paralysis, Stephen found new purpose by supporting the Whizz Kidz charity who provide equipment for young wheelchair users.
Marathon – Stephen doing the 2024 London Marathon (Image: Stephen Salmon)
After setting two world records for fastest marathon in a non-sports wheelchair in the 2021 and 2022 London Marathons and racing in the 2024 event, Stephen is taking part in two marathons in April back-to-back.
The Billericay resident will complete the Flawed Hero Marathon in Letchworth and the London Marathon on April 27.
Stephen said: “This would be my biggest challenge; it has evolved naturally, and I have done a few challenges now.
“I didn’t plan on doing another one, but I know the founder of the Flawed Hero Movement charity, he is a friend, so I agreed to take part.
“We had a jokey conversation about doing two marathons, if I am doing one, why not do two and he supported it.
“It is for two really key charities and the movement, which make sense for a lot of people, many people would say that ‘I can never run a marathon’, maybe there are reasons for that but this is about bringing people together.
“It is not about distance; the London Marathon is like a giant therapy session.”
Participant – Stephen Salmon in last year’s London Marathon (Image: Stephen Salmon) Ambassador – Stephen Salmon (Image: Stephen Salmon)
The three charities Stephen races for are Pancreatic Cancer UK, which funds research for those affected by the aggressive illness, Whizz Kidz and the Flawed Hero Movement who aim to build community by sharing stories of resilience.
Stephen added: “I am a big believer that we are stronger mentally than we are physically.
“If you can get to the start of the marathon, it is all just about self-belief and using purpose to complete it, doing whatever it takes.
“I know I can do marathons and if I have a small rest between them, that will give me time to refuel.
“It may be physically horrible, but I am prepared.”
To support Stephen, visit gofundme.com/f/stephens-double-2025-london-marathon-challenge