Pilot to run London Marathon as bird for charity

A pilot from Droitwich Spa is running the London Marathon dressed as a parrot, in aid of a charity supporting his nine-year-old son.

Ben's son, Harry, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - a rare genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness - at the age of two.

A keen runner, Ben had been applying for the race for many years and finally got a ballot place for 2026 - something he realised was an "ideal opportunity for the charity which is close to my heart".

"When he was diagnosed, a fantastic charity called Action Duchenne came and gave us support, gave us encouragement, explained exactly what Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is and guided us through the journey," he said.

"Initially, they brought us in and they talked to us and told us all about the disease, then they arrange scientific talks at my level with other families, and they go through what Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is. They tour the country to teach people to become aware.

"For us, they arrange meetings with other families, webinars and conferences, and they're always there at the end of the phone should we have any questions."

He described the charity as "caring" and "family orientated".

Harry now needs to use a wheelchair more to get around, and the family have installed a chairlift in their home.

Although the parrot has no link to the charity, Harry is "obsessed" with pirates, parrots and boats.

So, Ben made the costume by hand, despite having no sewing experience.

"It's nice and colourful, it'll get noticed. I can put some great big signs on my wings," he said.

As well as the signs, there is a picture of his son on the costume too.

"If I want encouragement, I can just look down at my wing," Ben told the BBC.

"It's rather hot... I'm hoping it'll all stay together."

He said he wanted to raise awareness of the disease and gather funds to help the charity.

"The money will help run these science meetings, it'll help run courses that people with Duchenne can go on, and also help towards funding a cure for the future," he said.

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