A London firefighter is gearing up for an extraordinary challenge: pushing his friend and fellow firefighter, John Chart, around the London Marathon in an assisted wheelchair to raise funds for us and another cause close to their hearts.
Dan Ascough was inspired by John, who lives with motor neurone disease. The pair will be using the same wheelchair Kevin Sinfield used to push Rob Burrow in the 2023 Leeds Marathon – a connection that makes the challenge even more meaningful following Rob’s passing in 2024.
Dan met John shortly after his diagnosis through a firefighters’ mental wellbeing walking group, Walk&Talk999, and says John’s resilience has motivated him to give back from the start:
“I’ve always found it incredible how positive John is about life and his approach to grabbing every day and making it count,” he says. “His positivity really inspired people that were struggling and that was great to see.”
John first noticed symptoms in 2016 and was diagnosed with MND in 2019. After 26 years as a firefighter, he stepped away from the job but threw himself into raising awareness and funds from then on.
“It’ll be very special for me,” John says of the marathon. “We’ve done so many challenges over the last few years… I hope it’ll be a great one to round them off. The fact we’re using Rob Burrow’s buggy, while raising funds for two great charities, makes it all the more special.”
John’s own connection to Fire Fighters Charity goes back decades: “I first visited the centre in 1999 with a shoulder injury. Then I was able to go back in 2024 with the walking group to help offer guidance on a walking programme. I know the difference it makes to people.”
For John’s wife, Arlene, the marathon will be especially emotional:
“Now that John’s not walking, it’ll be more of an emotional moment when he crosses the finish line. And with it being in Rob’s wheelchair, it’ll be a big part of MND history. We’ve been in touch with Kevin Sinfield too, and he’s sent a good luck message and been incredibly supportive.”
Dan hopes the marathon will honour everything John has done to date:
“John’s never losing his humour or his thirst for life,” he says. “His health has deteriorated to the point he’s become virtually entombed within his body… but he and his wife still get out and do as much as life has to offer.
“He’s inspired me that no matter what’s going on, there’s always something good around the corner. I wanted to give something back by pushing him around possibly the most iconic marathon in the world.”
After years of trying to secure a place, Dan says it means a lot to both of them, despite John no longer being able to walk across the finish line. “We can still get him there.”
Leeds Beckett University has kindly loaned Dan and John the wheelchair through the 4ED Foundation – the other charity they’re raising funds for.
“It’s going to be a test of endurance,” Dan says, “but John doesn’t get a break from his MND, so I’m sure I can stand a few long hours pushing him round and raising awareness.”
The challenge also carries personal meaning for Dan, who has seen Fire Fighters Charity’s impact first-hand.
“I’ve seen countless people supported through the walking group, particularly with their mental health. You just know they’re going to get looked after,” he says.
“When I visited Jubilee House in 2024, they actually pulled me aside and suggested I reach out myself. I’d never thought of it. We went down to Harcombe House as a family that same year on a rest and recharge stay and it was fantastic – a real reset for all of us.”
To support Dan and John’s fundraiser, click here. You can also follow them on social media via the handle: johnversusmnd.