"We’ve never forgotten the support we received from SSAFA": Gloucestershire man runs London Marathon in brother’s memory

07 April 2026

Tim O’Sullivan is just under three weeks away from running the iconic London Marathon in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. Taking place on 26 April 2026, this year marks 10 years since Tim’s brother, Peter, a former Paratrooper in the Pathfinder Platoon, sadly took his own life after struggling with the transition to civilian life.

With sights set to complete the 26 miles, Tim, Director of CJ Hole Hucclecote Lettings and Estate Agents, has locked in for training, swapping his usual four to six mile runs for a strict training plan to get him across that finish line. With the memory of his brother and the support the family received from SSAFA after the tragic passing, Tim’s motivation remains steadfast and his dedication unwavering.

Tim said: “This year commemorates 10 years since my brother Peter, aka Ronnie, took his own life after struggling with PTSD and the transition to civvy street after years of military service. Serving two Iraq tours and one Afghanistan tour, Peter took his own life at aged 34.

“After he passed away, we were devastated and knew we need support. We reached out to SSAFA and they were incredible - a listening ear, a charity who understood. SSAFA’s emotional support was vital in our time of need. His funeral was hard, but we were overwhelmed by the support. Family and friends came as well as a huge amount of Armed Forces personnel, from his Pathfinder Platoon to SAS and others.

“We’ve never forgotten the support we received from SSAFA, and I knew I wanted to do something to give back this year. Speaking with a friend, they mentioned how incredible they found running the London Marathon last year, citing that while it was hard, the atmosphere and support is incomparable.

“Running has always been a form of escapism for me, a time to clear my head and so I started looking into applying to be a fundraiser for SSAFA for the marathon. While initially scared, I knew it was something I had to do and finally mustered up the courage to sign-up.

“My training is hard and the runs just keep getting longer, but knowing why I am doing this, who I am running for t is all the motivation I need. I’m not just running for Peter or for SSAFA, I’m running for every family who has lost someone either during or after service as well as the sacrifices our Armed Forces have made, are making and will make for us."