Martin Dougan, a former Scotland wheelchair sports captain and BBC Newsround presenter from Glasgow, is taking on the London Marathon for a good cause.
Now based in Manchester, he will complete the iconic 26.2-mile route in his RGK wheelchair while raising funds for children’s mobility charity Whizz Kidz.
Born with cerebral palsy, Martin became a full‑time wheelchair user at the age of 13 following surgery. It was around that time that Whizz Kidz visited his school to deliver a life-changing wheelchair skills ‘crash course’.
Martin commented:
“Whizz Kidz came into my school and ran a crash course to teach us how to use a wheelchair properly. I ended up being the best on the day, and they surprised me by gifting me a new chair, one that was far less cumbersome that the one I’d been using. That moment completely changed my life – it gave me independence and confidence at a really crucial age.”
Now, years later, Martin is returning the favour by raising as much money as possible to help Whizz Kidz support more young wheelchair users, at a time when demand for its services has reached an all-time high.
“The charity is under huge pressure, and there’s a real backlog of children waiting for the equipment they need,” Martin said.
“If I can help alleviate even a small part of that, and help a child get the right chair sooner, then every mile is worth it. I want to be able to give back and help others experience what I once did all these years ago.”
Sport has always been central to Martin’s life. He has competed at a high level in both wheelchair rugby and basketball, and from 2010 to 2012 he captained the Scotland Wheelchair Basketball team. He led the team to a high point in 2011, as they celebrated winning the Celtic Cup against strong competition from Ireland and Wales.
“I’ve always loved the social side of sport as much as the competition,” Martin said.
“It gives you community, purpose and confidence. That’s something I’ll be carrying with me into this challenge.”
Despite his sporting background, training for a marathon in a wheelchair has come with unique challenges, especially when it comes to terrain.
“Over such a long distance, different surfaces can be unpredictable, which can be hazardous. It’s not always possible to prepare for everything, but that’s part of the challenge.”
Martin will take part in the marathon using his RGK Octane wheelchair, a lightweight model he also uses in his day-to-day life. He’s also a Sales and Events Coordinator for the brand, a role he started seven months ago, after being an ambassador for Sunrise Medical, which is part of the same group. His role now involves measuring custom chairs and supporting other wheelchair users, and organising events – something he feels gives him a sense of purpose.
He added:
“I’ve learnt a lot on the job, particularly from a clinical perspective. I know firsthand the difference the right chair can make. That’s why using my everyday RGK chair for the marathon felt important – it reflects real life, and it’s what enables me to do things like this.”
While this year’s focus is firmly on completing his first London Marathon, Martin is setting himself an ambitious target.
“I’m confident I can finish in under five hours. I’ll start focusing on time next year, if I can do it again, but this one is about the experience and the cause.”
Ultimately, Martin says the motivation comes back to helping the next generation of wheelchair users.
“If my story encourages people to donate, support Whizz Kidz, or even just understand the importance of the right mobility equipment, then that’s what matters. I had that support when I was younger, now I want to pay it forward.”
Donations can be made to Martin’s fundraiser here.
