Jodie Hopkins

❤️ A DAY WE WILL NEVER FORGET ❤️ Where do I even begin? ❤️ Yesterday was truly one of the most overwhelming, emotional and special days of our lives. To see so many people come together to support Gareth as he completed his final mile of the London Marathon was something we will never, ever forget. The love, kindness and support shown to both me and Gareth was beyond anything we could ever have imagined. To look around and see so many people there for him, cheering him on and sharing such a special moment with us, was simply incredible. ❤️ Having the medical team who saved Gareth’s life that day there to support him was so unreal ❤️ As healthcare professionals we all know it’s not often you get to meet the people you save, especially someone who has survived a Asystole 16 minute cardiac arrest and see how far they’ve come. For them to be there and see Gareth complete his final mile made the day even more surreal. ❤️ The last six months have been the hardest of our lives, and there have been moments when we never imagined we would be where we are today. To stand there yesterday and watch Gareth complete that final mile, surrounded by so much love, meant more to us than words could ever explain. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. ♥️ Every single face, every cheer, every kind word and every hug meant the world. I’m so sorry if I didn’t manage to say hello to you personally or thank you for coming. It was all so overwhelming, and I honestly don’t think I’ll ever be able to put into words how it felt to see so many people there. Please don’t think for one second that your presence went unnoticed or unappreciated. We are so incredibly grateful to every single one of you. ❤️ Gareth has been an inspiration. His determination, courage and strength over these last six months have been incredible, and watching him take those final steps was a moment I will carry in my heart forever. He started this journey running a marathon, and yesterday you finished it in a way that was so much bigger than running. ❤️ Again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. You have given us a memory we will treasure for the rest of our lives. ❤️

❤️ Gareth’s Final Mile – Sunday 1st November 2026, 1pm ❤️ Six months ago, we never imagined we would be here. Now, we’re getting ready to finish what Gareth started. On 26th April 2026, whilst taking on the London Marathon, Gareth suffered a cardiac arrest just one mile from the finish line. In a moment, our lives changed forever. The last six months have been the hardest of our lives. They have been filled with uncertainty, fear, months in hospital, rehabilitation and challenges we could never have imagined facing. There have been incredibly difficult days, but there have also been moments of hope, milestones and progress that have reminded us just how precious life is. Throughout it all, Gareth has shown an incredible amount of strength, determination and courage. His progress has been nothing short of inspirational. He has worked so hard to rebuild his strength and overcome the challenges he faces, taking each day as it comes and continuing to push himself forward. If you had told me six months ago that Gareth would be preparing to return to the London Marathon course to complete his final mile so soon, I honestly would never have believed you. There were moments when the future felt so uncertain, and we could only hope and pray for the progress we are now seeing. But here we are. ❤️ On Sunday 1st November, Gareth will return to the London Marathon course to complete the final mile of his journey. This mile represents so much more than the distance itself. It represents everything he has overcome, the fight he has shown, the progress he has made and the incredible healthcare professionals, family and friends who have supported us along the way. It is a chance to finish what he started, to celebrate how far he has come and to mark a milestone that, not so long ago, felt impossible. We would absolutely love for as many people as possible to come along and walk, cheer, encourage or simply be there to support Gareth as he completes his final mile. Whether you have been part of our journey from the beginning or have followed Gareth’s story along the way, everyone is welcome. Your support, kindness and encouragement have meant more to us than words can ever explain, and it would mean the world to both of us to share this moment with you. Meeting point: Victoria Embankment, at the bottom of Savoy Place. Please see the attached map and What3words location for the exact meeting point. Meeting time: 1pm what3words - insect.tall.cheek Date: Sunday 1st November 2026 After Gareth completes his final mile, we will be heading to Electric Shuffle in King’s Cross to celebrate together. A friend has kindly secured the venue for us and arranged specially reduced prices, which we are incredibly grateful for. Electric Shuffle King’s Cross Address: 1 Lewis Cubitt Park, London, N1C 4EJ Distance: Approximately 0.7 miles from King’s Cross station. If you can’t manage to attend the walk, please come along and join us for a drink afterwards to celebrate Gareth’s incredible achievement. ❤️ We really hope you can join us to make this a day to remember. We would love to see as many familiar faces as possible and have you all there to cheer Gareth on. Six months ago, we were fighting for Gareth’s life. Now, we get to stand beside him as he takes those final steps. One mile left. A lifetime of gratitude. And a journey that has shown us just how much the human spirit can overcome. We are so proud of you, Gareth. ❤️

134 days… Gareth is finally home. ❤️ I honestly don’t know how to put into words what this day means to us. There were so many moments I wasn’t sure if I’d ever see it. The last four and a half months have been the hardest of our lives but today, we get to start the next chapter together, as a family… at home. I couldn’t be a more prouder wife. Every single day Gareth has shown incredible courage, determination and strength. He has worked harder than anyone could imagine through hours of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and countless challenges along the way. Even on the hardest days, he never stopped trying, and watching him fight his way to this moment has been nothing short of inspiring. We are so incredibly grateful to every single member of staff at the Regional Hyper- acute rehabilitation unit who has cared for Gareth throughout this part of his journey. Their kindness, patience, encouragement and belief in him has helped get him to where he is today. We will never forget the care they have shown our family. I honestly have no idea how they managed to do it, or even keep it a secret from us… but to go above and beyond and surprise him with his London Marathon medal was a memory we’re treasure for the rest of our lives After everything that happened on marathon day, this wasn’t just a medal. It was a reminder of everything he’s survived, everything he’s fought through, and how incredibly far he’s come. Coming home doesn’t mean the journey is over. Gareth’s recovery continues, and we know there is still a long road ahead with lots more therapy, hard work and milestones to reach. But we’re so thankful that those next steps get to happen from home, surrounded by the people who love him most. Again, thank you to everyone who has supported us, checked in, sent messages, and stood beside us over these past 134 days. Your support has carried us through some incredibly dark moments. Home is the best milestone yet ❤️