Teen from Somerset to run London Marathon for Ambulance Charity in memory of her father
A teenager from Cheddar is set to take on the 2026 TCS London Marathon in support of the South Western Ambulance Charity, inspired by the care her family received following a devastating road traffic collision eight years ago.
In 2018, Carys Walsh's parents were involved in a serious car accident on the M5. Tragically, her father, Rod, died at the scene, while her mother, Ceri, sustained life-threatening injuries, including a broken neck and back. Carys and her brother were both at school at the time and were not in the vehicle.
The events of that day had a profound and lasting impact on Carys, shaping her determination to give something back to the ambulance service that did everything possible for her parents. Inspired by the professionalism and compassion of the crews involved, she has committed to raising vital funds for the South Western Ambulance Charity by running the 2026 TCS London Marathon.
Aged just 18 on race day, Carys will be one of the youngest runners taking part. She is preparing for the challenge while balancing an intensive training schedule alongside her A-level studies, which will take place shortly after the event.
Carys said: "The ambulance service saw things that day that no human should ever have to see, and yet they still treated my parents with dignity, compassion, and professionalism. They did absolutely everything they could for both my dad and my mum, and that is something I will never forget.
Running for the charity means so much to me. It's my way of saying thank you and giving something back to the service that was there for my family on the worst day of our lives. This has also inspired me to look towards a career in the ambulance service, because I've seen first-hand the difference these crews make, and I would be honoured to one day be part of that."
Zoe Larter, Head of Charity at the South Western Ambulance Charity, said: "Carys' determination to take on the London Marathon at such a young age, while managing her studies, is truly inspiring. Her motivation to give back following such a personal tragedy embodies everything our charity stands for. Funds raised through challenges like this help us support ambulance crews with enhanced training, wellbeing initiatives, and lifesaving equipment, enabling them to continue delivering exceptional care when it matters most."
Carys is currently studying Chemistry, Biology and Psychology and hopes to pursue a career in medicine, potentially within Paramedic Science. With a strong family connection to the NHS, her ambition reflects a deep-rooted commitment to healthcare and public service. Her late father worked for the NHS, and her mother is a nurse with more than 30 years of service. The family have long been supporters of the South Western Ambulance Charity.
By running the London Marathon, Carys hopes not only to honour her father's memory but also to raise vital funds to support ambulance crews who provide life-saving care across the South West every day.
To show your support for Carys in this incredible challenge, visit her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/carys-walsh-1