Retired Wales Star Aaron Ramsey Runs Marathon for Hugh

Aaron Ramsey could be relaxing after retiring from professional football earlier this month, but instead he's lacing up his running shoes for the London Marathon.

The former Wales captain is running to support It's Never You, a charity created by his friends Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis after their six-year-old son Hugh died from a rare cancer in 2021. Ceri will run alongside him on Sunday, carrying Hugh's shoes around his neck and wearing the names of more than 500 children affected by serious illness on his back.

"I know Ceri and Fran and their family. I knew Hugh very well," says Ramsey. "My eldest boy, Sonny, is a similar age and they used to play with each other."

Hugh was diagnosed with high-risk rhabdomyosarcoma in October 2020 when he was just five years old. He died shortly after his sixth birthday on September 18, 2021.

The 35-year-old midfielder admits training has been tough after years of injury struggles during his playing career. "When the rain's coming down and it's wet and windy, it can be quite a lonely place sometimes," he says. "But actually, I've enjoyed it in a weird way, being in the trenches a little bit."

Why This Inspires

Ramsey could have chosen the quiet life after a distinguished career that included 11 years at Arsenal and captaining Wales. Instead, he's using his newfound free time to make a difference. "Now I'm retired, it frees me up a little bit more to be able to do these things," he explains.

The charity founded by Hugh's parents has already helped countless families facing similar heartbreak. "They've done an unbelievable job in what they've done so far, and I know they're only just getting started," Ramsey says. "To see their drive and passion to try and make a difference in Hugh's memory is very inspiring."

Ramsey is already planning his next chapter as a football coach, having worked with Cardiff City and Wales' national team. But first, he has 26.2 miles to complete for a cause that hits close to home.

On Sunday, Ramsey and Ceri will cross the finish line together, honoring a little boy whose memory continues to help other families in their darkest moments.