Marathon man Liam hits the road again but needs your help to cross a special finishing line

WITH just five days to go, the countdown is well and truly on for Castlederg's Liam McHugh - but as he prepares to take on one of the toughest challenges of his life yet again, one question is beginning to surface: could this be his final marathon?

At an age when most have long stepped back from physical endurance, Liam, now 64, is once again lacing up for the London Marathon - set for Sunday, April 26, the 46th running of the world-famous race.

The event will follow its iconic 26.2-mile route from Greenwich and Blackheath through the heart of London to the finish line at The Mall, near Buckingham Palace.

Known for its flat and fast profile, the race still presents a brutal test of stamina, with an official cut-off time of eight hours.

Projected start times will see elite wheelchair racers set off at 8.50am, followed by the elite women at 9.05am, before the elite men and mass participants - including Liam - begin from 9.35am.

But while the spotlight will shine on world-class athletes chasing records, a different kind of battle will be unfolding on the streets - one defined not by speed, but by resilience, pain and purpose.

Liam returns to the start line carrying the weight of decades of effort behind him.

Injuries, surgeries and setbacks have taken their toll, yet his determination remains unbreakable.

For more than 30 years, he has run not for medals, but for meaning - raising vital funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Having already raised well over £400,000, Liam is now closing in on an extraordinary milestone: £500,000.

And with a wave of loyal supporters behind him, many are willing him on to reach that landmark - perhaps fittingly, on one of the biggest stages of his journey.

“This isn’t just another run,” one supporter said. “It could be history in the making.”

Driven by his daughter Rachel’s diagnosis with cystic fibrosis in 1992, Liam has turned personal heartbreak into relentless action.

His efforts have helped shine a light on life-changing treatments now available to many - but his fight continues for those still waiting.

“We’ve come so far, but we cannot leave anyone behind,” Liam insists. “That’s what keeps me going.”

Yet there is a growing sense that this chapter may be nearing its end.

“Another London Marathon on Sunday, April 26. It has almost become a way of life for me as I've run quite a few of them," he said.

"I can't stop until everyone living with Cystic Fibrosis can avail of lifesaving drugs.

"We have come so far over the years, it's been amazing but there's still no drugs for just under 10 per cent of the CF population. We cannot leave them behind.

"If you donate to me this money will go a long way to try and reach our goal.

"I have the best supporters ever and every year your generosity is just amazing.

"Thank you to each and everyone of you for your kindness. I couldn't do it without you."

After years of punishing miles - and a body that has already endured more than most - there is quiet speculation among supporters and observers alike: is this the last time they will see Liam McHugh take on the London Marathon?

He isn’t saying.

What is certain, however, is that come April 26, he will once again stand on the start line - facing 26.2 miles of pain, pride and purpose.

And whether it is his final race or not, one thing is beyond doubt: Liam McHugh will leave everything on the road.

You can support him over the coming days and weeks by donating to his JustGiving page at:

www.justgiving.com/page/liam-

mc-hugh-1728153275362

Or, visit his Facebook page for more ways to help.