By Fatma Younis
Paramedic Gareth Hopkins, 43, from Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, walked the final mile of the London Marathon on Sunday, six months after suffering a cardiac arrest at the 25-mile mark during the race on 26 April.
Collapse at Mile 25
Hopkins, a marathon novice running with his brother Chris to raise funds for Age UK in memory of their grandmother, collapsed when his heart stopped due to severe rhabdomyolysis caused by overheating. He was treated by St John Ambulance volunteers before being taken to St Thomas' Hospital, where he spent six months in intensive care relearning how to walk, talk, and eat.
Completing the Final Mile
On Sunday, accompanied by about 200 family members, friends, and supporters, Hopkins walked the unofficial final stretch from Buckingham Palace along The Mall. He described the experience as emotional and said he felt he had "finished what I started."
Fundraising and Family Support
Hopkins has raised £2,900 of his £3,000 target for Age UK. A separate fundraising page for his family has collected nearly £36,000. His brother Chris, 41, plans to run the 2027 London Marathon for St John Ambulance, crediting the charity with helping save Gareth's life.
Future Plans
Hopkins, who remains unable to work, said he has been advised never to run another marathon. He expressed gratitude to everyone who supported his recovery, including his wife Jodie, and said the experience showed him how much people care.
