Former Wales captain Aaron Ramsey is trading his football boots for running shoes this Sunday, as he takes on the London Marathon in memory of a six-year-old boy described as 'amazing'.
The 35-year-old, who retired from professional football earlier this month after a distinguished career with Arsenal, Juventus, and the Welsh national team, is supporting the charity It's Never You—founded by his friends Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis after their son Hugh died from a rare cancer in September 2021.
"I'm excited," Ramsey told BBC Sport Wales. "Training's been difficult, when the rain's coming down and it's wet and windy, and it can be quite a lonely place sometimes. But actually, I've enjoyed it in a weird way, being in the trenches a little bit."
Ramsey's decision to run so soon after retiring stems from a deeply personal connection. Hugh was a close friend of Ramsey's eldest son, Sonny, and the two boys often played together.
"As a charity, it's really close to my heart," Ramsey said. "I know Ceri and Fran and their family. I knew Hugh very well. I can't imagine what they went through and what they are going through, but they've been an absolute inspiration to me, my family and many others."
Hugh was diagnosed with high-risk rhabdomyosarcoma in October 2020, just before his sixth birthday. He passed away on 18 September 2021.
Ceri Menai-Davis will also be running the marathon, carrying Hugh's shoes around his neck and wearing the names of over 500 children affected by serious illness on his back.
"They've done an unbelievable job in what they've done so far, and I know they're only just getting started," Ramsey added. "Now I'm retired, it frees me up a little bit more to be able to do these things."
The TCS London Marathon takes place on Sunday, with the elite races starting at 08:50 BST, followed by the mass event at 09:35 BST. Coverage begins on BBC One at 08:30 BST.