A Sheffield University student ran the London Marathon in 2:47:46 last weekend, breaking the record for the fastest runner for The Haemophilia Society (THS).
Jack Acornley, 20, was diagnosed with a bleeding disorder when he was eight.
The engineering student ran in support of THS, a charity at which he is a Young Ambassador (YA).
He said: “When the opportunity came up to try and get a place, I jumped at that because it’s one of the biggest races in the world.
“It’s got to that point in my running journey where I’m looking for challenges constantly, so why not try and do this insane thing of running a marathon.”
Mr Acornley has moderate/severe haemophilia A, a rare condition affecting the way blood clots, meaning he bleeds easier than most people.
Aged 11, he started regular treatment to increase blood clotting levels.
He said: “I’ve always been quite cautious with any problems I’ve had through running. I think it’s due to haemophilia because I know I have to take a lot of time out and be careful.”
After training for over three months, he realised he could push himself and aimed to run the marathon in 2 hours 50 minutes.
“I thrived off motivation from other people, I almost needed someone to smack some sense into me that I am quite quick and could do a faster time.
“When I finished, they told me my time, I was like, ‘I did that time. What?’
“I’m Jack, just this guy. I shouldn’t be the fastest person to run a marathon with a bleeding disorder. It doesn’t feel real. It’s just me.”
Sam Wilson, digital marketing and content manager at THS, shared how their YA scheme helps families understand the impact of having this rare condition.
He said: “Having someone like Jack out there doing it is more powerful than anything that we can ever say.
“Hearing it directly from the person, seeing his evident passion for sport and for running, you see the extent to which he isn’t letting his bleeding disorder hold him back from his ambitions. It’s so so important.”
Five people ran for THS on the day, collectively fundraising over £7,000.
Mr Wilson added: “People like Jack doing what he’s done will allow three families to attend a Newly Diagnosed Weekend. It means so much and it allows us to do more for our community.”
