I’m running the London Marathon to turn the loss of our son into something meaningful

Rakhee lives with her husband Nelash in Leicester. She’s taking part in the London marathon this year in memory of her son, Anish, who died from a sudden asthma attack in February last year.

Rakhee, Asthma + Lung UK supporter
Published 20th April 2026

I lost my son Anish in February last year to a sudden asthma attack. He was only 26 years old, full of life, with his whole future ahead of him.

Fundraising for Anish changed something in me

Anish wasn’t just my son, he was my best friend too. He was a loving, caring and incredibly thoughtful young man who always put others before himself. He had a way of bringing people together with his warmth, laughter and generosity. After he passed away, we wanted to do something meaningful in his memory and raise money for Asthma + Lung UK. We held a fundraising event and I was planning to walk 10km as part of it. I ended up running that 10km and that changed something in me. Taking on the London Marathon felt like the next step.

It’s been tough – but I remind myself why I’m doing this

Training has been tough, especially because I’d never run more than the 10km before. The journey has been incredibly emotional with physical challenges and injuries but I’ve had incredible support from Nelash and our friends and family. There are moments when it feels overwhelming but I remind myself why I started this. To honour him, to keep his memory alive and to turn our loss into something meaningful.

If I can help just one person, that’s part of Anish’s legacy

I want to see a greater awareness of just how serious asthma can be. I would love to see more funding going into asthma research and development, especially to improve medications and prevention. Education is also so important, particularly for young people with asthma, so they understand the importance of managing their condition. If this can help even one person take their health more seriously, then Anish’s life continues to make a difference.

Crossing that finish line will be for him

Anish lived his life with purpose, always giving and supporting others. I know he would be incredibly proud to see me taking on this challenge in his name. Every step I take, I carry Anish with me. He gives me the strength to keep going, even on the hardest days. I can’t wait until marathon day. I made a promise to myself and to Anish that I will complete this marathon, whether I run or walk - crossing that finish line will be for him.

His legacy isn’t measured by how long he lived but by the love, laughter and kindness he shared. Through completing this marathon, I hope to carry forward the lessons he gave us - to live bravely, love openly, give freely and never take a single moment for granted. 

Watch Rakhee's video

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