Wigan family share heartbreaking story as marathon effort raises thousands for rare disease
A close-knit Wigan family is turning personal heartbreak into hope, as one local man prepares to run the Manchester Marathon in support of his father-in-law, who is living with a rare and devastating condition.
Gary Redpath from Standish, will take on the Manchester Marathon this April in aid of PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy), a little-known neurological disease that affects his husband Liam’s dad, Keith.
Liam, 41, has shared an emotional video speaking openly about the reality of the illness and how it has impacted both his dad and the wider family.
Liam’s parents Brenda, 64, and Keith, 65, have been married for 43 years, Keith spent 30 years working as a senior prison officer and was looking forward to enjoying his retirement, however, just over three years ago, the family began to notice that something wasn’t quite right.
A visit to the GP led to further investigations, and Keith was later diagnosed with PSP, a rare condition with no cure and very limited treatment options.
Since then, life has changed dramatically.
The illness progressively affects mobility, speech and vision, placing a huge emotional strain not only on those diagnosed, but also on the people around them.
Keith was forced to retire far earlier than planned and has been unable to enjoy the retirement he worked so hard for, but the family has chosen to focus on making memories together and supporting each other through every stage of the illness.
In a video posted on social media Liam said: “It’s one of the most cruel things I have ever heard of or seen. My dad is aware of everything that’s going on. If I make a joke, he’s the first one to laugh, but if somebody was to say to you you’ll lose your eyesight, your voice, your ability to walk, talk, do anything for yourself, but you know everything that’s going on, it is so cruel.”
Liam also spoke about how proud he is of his husband Gary for taking part in the Manchester marathon, as this time last year he had never done any running whatsoever, with Gary adding Keith’s response when he told him about the marathon is something he will carry with him every step of the way. Although his condition has affected his ability to speak, Keith smiled and showed his support, encouraging Gary in his own way.
Through the fundraiser, the family hopes not only to raise vital funds but also awareness of PSP, a condition many people have never heard of until it affects someone they love.There is currently no cure and very little research funding compared to other neurological diseases.
The Manchester Marathon takes place on April 19, 2026. Gary’s initial target was to raise £2,000 for the cause, but that has now surpassed £6,000. If you would like to support them, click here.
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