Three Friends. One Marathon. A Bigger Purpose.

Three friends – Rob Hasler, Paul Sharp and Alex Wright – are connected by a shared love of running. On 10 May 2026, they are going to be taking part in the Leeds Marathon together.

But this marathon is about far more than a finish time.

In October 2024, Rob was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Just six months earlier, in April 2024, Rob ran the fastest marathon of his life – a phenomenal sub-3 hour marathon.

Running has always been a huge part of the three’s friendship. When Rob was diagnosed, they knew they wanted to find a way to still get out on the road together.

Their plan was simple: hire a specialist running chair so Rob could take part in the marathon while Paul and Alex pushed.

Unfortunately, despite trying everything, they have not been able to hire one.

So they’re doing the only thing they can: to try and buy one themselves.

Buying a specialist running chair will allow the three of them to take part in the Leeds Marathon together, sharing the experience they love – running side by side and hearing the crowds cheering them on.

But this chair will be about much more than one race.

After Leeds, they want this chair to become part of Rob’s legacy.

They will make it available to other disabled or terminally ill people who want the chance to take part in a running event but don’t have the equipment to do so.

And if someone doesn’t have people to push them, they plan to help with that too.

They said ‘everyone deserves the chance to experience the energy, joy and community of a running event.’

This means a lot to Alex as in April 2025, he ran 238 miles from Macclesfield to London, pushing a buggy containing food, clothes, and camping equipment before running the London Marathon.

That challenge was to raise money for the Manchester charity Coffee4Craig, who support people experiencing street homelessness. Together they raised over £20,000.

Alex explained how ‘That experience completely changed how I thought about running.’

‘Instead of chasing personal bests, I realised that running can be used to do something much bigger.’

The immediate goal is simple: get Rob to the start line and give three friends the chance to take part in a marathon together.

But the long‑term ambition goes far beyond that.

By buying this chair, they hope to ensure that many more people – regardless of disability or illness – can experience the joy, pride and community that comes from taking part in a running event.