Newlyweds swap honeymoon for charity half marathon

It is normal for most newlyweds to spend their first week of marriage relaxing on a beach but Ryan and Hannah O'Shea celebrated their nuptials by running a half marathon.

Just days after tying the knot, the Jersey couple travelled to Cardiff to take part in the race while raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity.

Ryan was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2022 and had planned to take on the race alone until wedding plans got in the way.

But his new wife Hannah suggested it was something they could do together as newlyweds.

The couple crossed the finish line together wearing co-ordinated bride and groom running outfits, creating what Ryan described as a unique memory of their first week of married life.

Ryan said running had been an important part of his life since his diagnosis and had helped him manage the physical and mental challenges of his condition.

Although he still has the tumour, he said fundraising was his way of supporting future research and treatment options.

"It's really trying to raise money and get better surgeries and better research, which can only come from fundraising," he said.

Ryan said the running community has played a huge role in supporting them both.

"It's just changed my life," he said.

Away from the half marathon, Ryan described seeing Hannah walk down the aisle as the highlight of their wedding day.

"When people say it's the fastest day of your life, they're telling the truth," he said.

The Cardiff trip may have served as a "mini-moon", but the newlyweds are already planning a more traditional honeymoon next year.

However, the couple will soon be back in training after securing places in the Berlin half marathon, where Ryan said they might finally stop running together and start chasing personal bests instead.

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