Sian Gallacher

Hi i am Sian I have COPD and I’m running the London Marathon 2026 to fight for lung health!

Hi, I’m Sian. I have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and I am running the London Marathon in 2026!

This year marks 10 years since I lost my sister to the same disease. It was awful to watch such an outgoing, lively and vivacious woman decline in health. The COPD resulted in her suffering heart attacks and a stroke in which she lost her sight before she ultimately lost her life. When I was diagnosed, it felt like I was being handed the same fate and I was terrified. I felt as though I had been handed a death sentence and that it marked the end of everything I enjoyed doing.

But it didn’t.

COPD is a lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. Some days feel ok but others feel like you’re trying to breathe through a straw. It doesn’t go away and it is a progressive disease but keeping active helps to slow it down that progression. 

I’ve learned that while I’ll always live with this disease, there are things I can do. Since my diagnosis I’ve done triathlons - my highlights being Ironman 70.3 Turkey and representing GB as an age group athlete in Menen, Belgium. Running has always been the hardest discipline for me because the COPD means I get breathless quickly. 

That’s why this challenge is the toughest thing I’ve ever considered doing. 

I’m doing this to remember my sister. She’d definitely think I’d lost the plot and I would love to have heard what she would have had to say about it. I’m also doing it to show that life with COPD doesn’t have to stop. You can still have goals. You can still do things that scare you, things you love and take on new challenges. 

I’m so grateful for any donations you can make. It will help raise awareness and support for people like me living with COPD. 

Thank you for reading my story and for supporting me on my road to the start line.

Sian 

Every minute, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a lung condition. I want to make a difference. I'm running the London Marathon 2026 for Asthma + Lung UK, the only UK charity that fights for everyone’s right to breathe. Every pound I'm able to raise will take us a step closer to a world where everyone has healthy lungs.

Just £22 allows one of Asthma + Lung UK's nurses to answer a call on the Helpline, offering potentially lifesaving advice. I'd be very grateful for any donations you could make!