Steven Waterson: Running Against All Odds
19 June 2025
On Sunday 19th October, Steven will take on the Yorkshire Marathon, not just to cross another finish line but to prove that no matter what life throws at you, the human spirit can always go further.
Steven's journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
In June 2003, his life changed forever when he suffered a subarachnoid brain haemorrhage and diagnosed with an inoperable Arterial Vascular Malformation (AVM). Surgery was attempted in October to help him manage the condition. Against all odds he crossed the finish line of his first marathon in Edinburgh. That was only the beginning of a journey defined by incredible strength and resilience.
In 2007, a workplace injury led to an ankle reconstruction surgery, but this didn't stop him from completing his second Edinburgh marathon, he experienced a severe Deep Vein Thrombosis resulting in weeks in hospital. Yes still, he didn't stop!
A year later he completed his first London Marathon however in August he experienced a second Subarachnoid Haemorrhage. Medical advances made surgery viable and in February 2009, he underwent a series of high-risk surgeries. Complications left him with partial vision loss, mobility issues and deep psychological scars.
In 2009, he went to a neurorehabilitation to relearn how to walk, move and adapt to a new world with a visual impairment. Though depression loomed, a darkness he called “the beast”. Steven found light through movement. The same year, he completed the Loch Ness Marathon – his first as a visually impaired athlete.
Over the years, he joined an Athletics club that helped him train for a high-altitude marathon in Kenya and qualified as an athletic official. Worked at the 2014 Commonwealth Games as a baton bearer and later became a middle-distance coach and team manager. After completing his studies, he opened a sports therapy practice.
Despite chronic pain, vision loss and ongoing effects of stroke, he continues to follow his dreams. With amazing support from his wife, daughter and grandchildren, he continues to strive.
“The beast is never far away... This marathon is not the first and likely not the last”
This October, he runs not just for the finish but to prove anything is possible and that nothing can stop him.
