Ramsey’s Marathon in Memory of ‘Amazing’ Young Boy

Aaron Ramsey, the former Wales captain and Arsenal midfielder, has chosen a unique way to mark his retirement by participating in the London Marathon. At 35, he is embracing a new challenge, running to support a cause close to his heart. The event, set for Sunday, April 26, will see him carry Hugh’s shoes around his neck while bearing the names of over 500 children impacted by serious illness on his back.

Running for a Cause

The charity, It’s Never You, was established by Ramsey’s friends Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis after their son, Hugh, succumbed to a rare form of cancer. Hugh was diagnosed with high-risk rhabdomyosarcoma in October 2020 at age five and passed away on September 18, 2021, just months before his sixth birthday. Ramsey’s decision to take on the marathon reflects his deep connection to the cause, as he knew Hugh personally and shared a similar age with Ceri’s eldest child, Sonny.

“As a charity, it’s really close to my heart. I knew Hugh very well, and seeing how Ceri and Fran have dedicated themselves to this mission is truly inspiring.”

Ramsey’s career, which spanned over a decade, was marked by both triumphs and setbacks due to injuries. Yet, he opted to shift focus from the pitch to the streets, using his retirement as a platform to contribute to a meaningful cause. “Training’s been tough, especially when the weather turns against you. But there’s a strange kind of satisfaction in pushing through,” he shared with BBC Sport Wales.

Retirement and the Final Chapter

His decision to retire came after a prolonged period of reflection. Although still Wales’ captain, Ramsey had not played football—club or international—for seven months prior to announcing his exit from professional sports. The move, initially surprising, aimed to keep him fit for a potential World Cup campaign. However, Wales’ failure to qualify last month led to the formal end of his playing career.

“I hadn’t played in a while, so it was a gradual process. But I believe it was the right time to step back. The chance to leave every option open for the World Cup squad felt like a fairytale, even if it didn’t quite come to fruition.”

The outpouring of support for Ramsey’s retirement highlighted his legacy in football. Fans and colleagues from across the sport praised his contributions, a testament to the impact he made during his career. “It was touching to see so many heartfelt tributes, even though the last few months were frustrating,” he said. “But it showed how much I’ve meant to the teams and fans I’ve been part of.”

With his playing days concluded, Ramsey is now fully committed to his new role as an advocate for the It’s Never You charity. His participation in the marathon symbolizes a transition from athlete to supporter, honoring Hugh’s memory and inspiring others facing similar challenges.

TCS London Marathon Schedule

**Sunday, 26 April** – Wheelchair race: 08:50 BST – Women’s elite race: 09:05 BST – Men’s elite race and mass event: 09:35 BST Watch live on BBC One from 08:30 BST, with additional streams covering the elite races, Tower Bridge, and the finish line on BBC iPlayer. Follow live updates via BBC Sport’s website and app.

Now his playing days are done, Ramsey’s journey continues in a different form. The marathon represents not just a personal challenge but a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.