‘I know he’d be happy for me that I finally get to do this’

8 March 2024

Year after year, West Midlands Police Federation member Dean Marriott would apply for a highly-demanded ballot place on the most popular marathon in the UK.

The 51-year-old sergeant has competed in half-marathons and long-distance charity bike rides, and even when not training for an event, is no stranger to a 5am run as part of a normal routine.

Yet, despite being a confident athlete with a clear appetite for the challenge, he would open each year’s ballot application unsuccessful email with a slight sense of relief.

"Of course, I wanted to do it – I’ve always wanted to do it, to be honest. So, although I would be disappointed, there would still be a small part of me thinking, ‘phew, that was close’," said Dean.

“Marathons are just a whole other level, no matter how well you prepare.”

Sergeant Dean Marriott is running the London Marathon in tribute to his close friend Paul 'Sheps' Shepherd.

His most recent application was different, however. There would be no room for consolation this time around. Inspired by the sudden passing of his close friend Paul 'Sheps' Shepherd, who suffered a cardiac arrest last June, Dean instead applied for one of only four hundred charity entrances through the British Heart Foundation.

This one was successful. Dean will race in the 2024 London Marathon.

“There was a lot more riding on it this year – it wasn’t just about me anymore. I knew I had to do it for Paul. I was told there were thousands of charity applications, and I got a place, so it feels meant to be.”

Dean and Paul’s friendship began when they met at a baby group back in 2010, having children of a similar age. Both keen runners, the two were part of a wider group of friends who will be present to support Dean on race day.

“I think Paul would be really proud. He liked running too, so he knew my passion for it better than most,” he adds.

“He probably thought I was too passionate sometimes. When we’d be on holiday with our friends, he would tell people he was ‘hiding from Deano’ when I would try and get him up for a few early-morning kilometres.

“Sheps was such a good mate and I know he would be happy for me that I finally get to do this.”

As a member of the Federation for nearly 27 years, Dean has also seen friends from within the Force suffer from heart-related issues, something he says will be on his mind as he represents the British Heart Foundation - in addition to his central tribute to Paul.

He said: “I’m sure everyone has witnessed someone they know struggle with heart problems. That’s why the Heart Foundation continues to be so important. Their work will help parts of the next generation of officers, so you could even say I’m running for them too.”

Dean initially kept the confirmation of his place low-key around work.

“I didn’t want to go too early with it,” Dean added. “We’re police officers. Most of the time, we just crack on.”

Since making more colleagues aware, however, he describes the support he has received as 'absolutely fantastic' and the sergeant is evidently very grateful for both the emotional and financial backing of his fellow Federation members, including the organisation of a quiz night fundraiser - which will take place on Saturday 16 March.

With the 26.2-mile race now just over a month away, Dean will be hoping it isn’t too much of a late night. At this stage, every day counts when training for a marathon.

“Training is going well, to be fair. I’m pushing myself more and more. My overall target will remain just to finish, though,” he laughed.

“I’ve only got a couple of minor niggles, which is to be expected. It’s what runners call ‘marathonitis’”.

As well as their shared friends, also at the marathon will be Paul’s younger, Dom, who will partake in the race itself alongside Dean.

Other supporters in attendance will include Paul’s wife, Becky, and their two sons, Jake and Archie. For Dean, one of the most emotional conversations of his life came when he asked for Becky’s permission to race in her husband’s name.

He said: “When the distance really starts to kick in and things start to hurt, I’ll be holding that conversation dear. I know the memory of Paul will help me push through.”

Dean will compete in the 2024 London Marathon on Sunday 21 April. If you would like to support Dean, you can donate via his JustGiving page or give to the British Heart Foundation bucket in the canteen at Cosford.