Brighten Your Day

Shot And Told He'd Never Walk Again, He Just Finished The London Marathon

April 30, 2025

Today's good news story comes from London, England.

In 2011, Darren Awol’s life changed forever when he was shot during a robbery in Anerley, southeast London. The attack left him paralysed from the waist down. Doctors told him he would never walk again.

But Darren, now 42, has defied every expectation.

Darren Awol / @awol_motivation

More than a decade after that life-altering night, Darren has not only learned to walk again using crutches — he has just completed the London Marathon, finishing in 6 hours and 35 minutes using a combination of crutches and a wheelchair.

“Over a decade ago, I survived a tragic shooting that left me with a spinal cord injury (L1 T12), paralysed from the waist down. I was told I would never walk again,” he shared. “But through sheer determination and relentless effort, I rehabilitated myself and regained the ability to walk – even without feeling in my legs.”

Darren says the journey wasn’t easy. He faced overwhelming physical and emotional challenges, even contemplating suicide multiple times. But one thing kept him going: his son, who was just two years old at the time of the shooting.

“He was my biggest motivation,” Darren said. “It gave me the momentum to see me walking again.”

Darren Awol / @awol_motivation

For the past decade, fitness has been his foundation.

“Fitness has been my anchor, empowering me to rebuild my life and face each day head-on. I believe movement is medicine, and I want others to experience the transformative power of fitness, no matter their circumstances.”

Crossing the finish line at the London Marathon was a deeply emotional moment. Reflecting on it, Darren said, “What I took from this experience is that everyone has a purpose, a drive, and someone they’re doing it for. The crowd’s energy, the cheers, the love — it all reminded me that we’re here for a reason.”

He added, “This journey is proof that teamwork makes everything come together. It’s a reminder that no matter how tough life gets, with support and belief, we can accomplish the unimaginable.

“To anyone out there thinking about taking on something big — just go for it. Believe in yourself. The journey might be tough, but the reward is worth every step.”

Darren Awol / @awol_motivation