“Everything from here on in is all for him” — Ballymena woman’s emotional London Marathon tribute

Young Ballymena woman Ellen Macdonald running the London Marathon

A young woman from Ballymena has turned personal heartbreak into powerful purpose, completing the London Marathon in memory of her father while raising thousands of pounds for charity.

Ellen Macdonald, a former pupil of Ballymena Academy, crossed the finish line on 26 April in honour of her dad, Ewan Macdonald, and her ongoing efforts have now helped raise nearly £8,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Running through grief and memory

Ellen’s motivation is deeply personal. Her father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which had already spread to his liver, in June 2024 — a moment she says “absolutely devastated” the family.

She described the rapid impact of the illness, recalling how her dad went from being “ever-determined, fit and healthy” — regularly running and playing bagpipes — to struggling with daily life in a short space of time.

Lovingly remembered, Ewan Macdonald

Despite his diagnosis, Ewan remained determined to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, encouraging education and greater understanding of the disease across Northern Ireland.

A promise carried forward

Just months before his death in May 2025, Ellen had already begun fundraising efforts, completing the Glasgow Kiltwalk with her partner’s family and raising more than £2,000 for the same cause — something she says her dad was “delighted” by.

During that time, the family spoke openly about continuing his wish to fundraise after his passing. Ellen remembers one piece of advice from her dad in particular: “just don’t do anything stupid like running a marathon!”

After his death, she admits she did exactly that.

Turning pain into purpose

Returning to running became a way for Ellen to cope with grief — and ultimately led her to secure a place with Team Pancreatic Cancer UK for the London Marathon.

“My dad is my biggest inspiration, and will continue to be my biggest motivator even though he has passed on now,” she said.

“Every week I feel that little bit closer to him, especially whenever I’m out in the pouring rain, or going up a particularly difficult hill.”

Ellen with dad Ewan at the local Park Run

She added that each run brings back memories of her dad encouraging her and her sister during ParkRuns: “Come on Ellen, keep going, one last push.”

“I can’t wait to complete this next challenge in honour of him… Everything from here on in is all for him.”

Family pride and community support

Ellen’s mum, Louise, said the family are immensely proud of what she has achieved, particularly after completing the marathon despite carrying a knee injury.

Louise Macdonald with husband Ewan, daughter Catherine (front), and Ellen and partner Aaron (back)

She said Ewan “was always proud of both his daughters and their achievements,” adding that they know he “would have been cheering Ellen on step by step.”

Louise also paid tribute to the support Ellen has received, thanking those who have helped raise more than £6,000 through her marathon efforts alone.

A legacy that keeps moving forward

Now, with close to £8,000 raised over the past two years, Ellen’s journey is not just about crossing a finish line — it is about carrying forward her father’s determination, his voice, and his mission to raise awareness of a devastating illness that continues to impact families across Northern Ireland.

Ellen with her much loved dad Ewan

Each mile run, and every pound raised, stands as a lasting tribute — one that ensures Ewan’s legacy continues to be felt far beyond the roads of London.

Those wishing to support Ellen’s fundraising efforts and help continue her father’s legacy can donate online via her official marathon page at https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/ellen-macdonald, where contributions will go directly to Pancreatic Cancer UK to fund vital research, raise awareness, and support families facing the disease.

“For Dad!”

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At a glance

• Ballymena runner Ellen Macdonald completed the London Marathon on 6 April

• She ran in memory of her father, Ewan Macdonald

• Ewan died in May 2025 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2024

• Ellen has raised nearly £8,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK over two years

• More than £6,000 came from her marathon fundraising alone

• She completed the race despite running with a knee injury

• Her father had been passionate about raising awareness of the disease

• Running became a way for Ellen to cope with grief after his passing