In just a few days, Impington resident Oakley O’Kelly will be at the starting line of the London Marathon – running in memory of the brother he loved so deeply and raising much needed funds for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Amanda Borrill shares his story.
Just over a year ago, 21 year old Oakley O’Kelly’s life changed dramatically with the loss of his brother Ash in a motorcycle accident. At the scene that night was the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) – to whom Oakley and his family will be forever grateful.
Channelling the power of his grief into something positive, Oakley applied for the London Marathon choosing to raise funds for the air ambulance and its crew who worked so hard to help his brother. “Since watching the marathon as a child I have always thought it would be a great challenge to achieve”, he shares. “When I got in, I was over the moon! I wanted to use this opportunity to raise money and awareness for the EAAA – this amazing service attended my brother, Ash’s, accident and did everything they could to save him. Sadly, we lost Ash but I will always be grateful that they were there for him”.
A feat of endurance
It’s clear, juggling work and training has brought many challenges. Oakley works full-time as cabin crew for Jet2 – a busy job which he enjoys very much but one that brings with it early mornings and late nights. “I have made many friends through work and Jet2 has been incredibly supportive during this difficult year”, he reflects. “Some days”, he tells me “I would start work very early in the morning or work late into the evening and, quite often, a run was the last thing on my mind. But, I always knew my no.1 fan, Ash, would be looking down on me and saying ‘keep going bro’!”
Anyone who has ever run a marathon will fully appreciate the physical demands it brings. Add to that the emotional impact of dealing with the grief of losing his brother so suddenly and the task feels enormous for one so young. Sharing a little of how he has got through the last twelve months, Oakley reveals: “I have had many ups and down with training as running is no easy task! I am not a natural runner so I am very proud of myself for sticking to the training plan. Since losing my little brother last year in April, my mental health has been a rollercoaster! Running has been a huge benefit as it helps me to relax, gives me a focus and long periods to lose myself in music!”
Keen to help others going through loss, Oakley’s advice is wise beyond his years. “To experience grief is one of the most difficult parts of being human”, he shares. “Speaking from experience as someone struggling with grief, know that you are not alone and that if you are ever feeling down but don’t know what to do then speaking to someone – your family, friends, teacher or even your dog – is always better than speaking to no one!”
All systems go
With the marathon just a matter of days away, things are now getting real! The £5,000 target Oakley set to raise for EAAA currently stands at just under £5,300 to date with the 166 donors sending love and encouragement as the run approaches. Asking Oakley what he is looking forward to most about Sunday, he says, “Other than finishing it – it will be the crowd cheering me on every step of the way. Water and Jelly Babies will be my best friends!!”
And the least? “Attempting to walk to get home or”, he laughs, “getting passed by someone dressed up as Big Ben, a dinosaur or similar – now that will be humbling!” And on the post marathon dinner menu? “A home-made lasagna will definitely be something I will be craving!”, he reveals.
There is no doubt that this is going to be the challenge of all challenges. One which will take every bit of Oakley’s physical and emotional energy and one which, in his own words, is going to leave him “feeling shattered”. “But”, he continues, “on a real note I will be hugely proud of myself, thankful to everyone who has supported me along the way and truly grateful to all the people that have sponsored me in raising much needed funds for the EAAA”.
Waiting in the wings (hopefully with lasagna) is an immensely proud family. Sharing their pride, Mum Ailish says: “All our family and friends are wishing Oakley the best of luck for his marathon run. We really appreciate all the sponsorship and support that has helped drive Oakley on with his training and commitment. We could not be prouder of Oakley and we know that Ash will be cheering him on every step of the way”.
Sponsor Oakley in the London Marathon via his fundraising page here.
East Anglian Air Ambulance recently launched an urgent £8.2 million fundraising appeal to build a new air base in Cambridgeshire after securing planning permission for a new site outside Fulbourn. Find out more about the appeal and make a donation by visiting their website.
READ ALSO: Friendship and a love for animals inspires 28 days of running and Histon Manor announces chosen charity for 2026
