Diven Halai, a 37-year-old professional, is celebrating a major milestone this week after he became the first to complete the London Marathon on oxygen tanks over the weekend.
It is no mean feat given that in 2020 Halai was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (ILD), a rare condition that made it challenging for him to breathe and let oxygen into his bloodstream. Ironically, it was probably the fittest he’d ever been when he first noticed the symptoms of his lung condition, having even run a half marathon earlier that year.
A keen runner, London Marathon had always been on his bucket list. So, he decided to overcome his constraints and worked with the oxygen team to help him get through it. Halai is determined that he won’t let lung disease beat him and hopes to inspire and motivate others never to give up.
Here, iGlobal catches up with the inspiring runner to reflect upon his achievement and his message for others who may be toying with the idea of getting more active.
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How does it feel to complete the London Marathon?
I felt just a massive sense of accomplishment. It meant that I had given hope and inspiration to people with and without health conditions who want to do things but don't have the confidence to keep trying or even attempt to be active.
I overcame the odds with the support of a big team. Although I had said to myself it's not about the time it takes me to finish, I had set myself a target of eight hours. However, due to a few stops to get physiotherapy attention I ended up finishing with a time of eight hours, 20 minutes, which I'm still very proud of.
What is your message for others considering getting more active?
No matter the situation, whatever goals you have you can achieve them. Sometimes you have to take a different route but don’t lose hope and definitely keep trying.
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What's next on your mission?
I'm not sure yet what the next mission will be, but the London Marathon is definitely not the last one. My family and friends and even my consultants and respiratory team are all super proud of me and what I have achieved – the first man to do the marathon with the use of oxygen.
*Info: Just Giving/Diven Halai