Incredible NI family ready for ‘special’ landmark as they push for sporting breakthrough

David and Sandra Kerr have been travelling all over the UK and Ireland to take part in race events with their child Aaron.

But what makes this feat so incredible is that, with their son relying on a wheelchair, the parents push him to the finishing line in a specially adapted chair.

Their dedication towards promoting inclusion and fundraising saw Aaron (27) honoured with the Overcoming Adversity accolade at last year’s Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank.

We caught up with them as we launch this year’s awards and are asking you to nominate unsung heroes for recognition.

A series of health setbacks from the day Aaron was born has not stopped the Kerr family, who are from Annahilt, near Hillsborough, racking up dozens of incredible achievements.

Aaron has participated in more than 100 races, including more than 50 marathons, over the past decade — and even changed the rules for the London Marathon through their tireless campaigning.

Proud dad David said: “We’ve [continued] running since winning the award last year. We’ve kept going and we’ve done lots of events since then. We’re gearing up at the minute for the London Marathon [on April 27] and then, over a month after that, we’re actually heading to do Swansea Half Marathon.

“That will be special because we’ve run in every county in Ireland and we’ve run in England and in Scotland, but we’ve tried over the years to get Wales ticked off and we haven’t managed to. But this year we’re delighted to be heading over to Swansea. We’re doing the Swansea Half Marathon and we’re doing a 10K in Cardiff the day before.

“We’ve done exceptionally well. It’s been a great 10 years — coming up to 11 now — and we’re just doing the same stuff that we’ve always been doing. We keep pushing for inclusion and just trying to get more people with complex needs out and about taking part in running events.

“It’s great. We’re seeing more and more people coming on board and taking up the sport now. It’s great that there are a lot of children now taking up running, so it will be fantastic if we see more adults out and about as well. So that’s the kind of thing that we’re trying to work towards at the moment.”

When Aaron was nominated for the award last year, his mum Sandra explained the complex needs her son has and the health issues he has had to tackle throughout his life.

She said: “When Aaron was born, he was in chronic renal failure. We knew he needed a kidney transplant. We managed to get him to the age of 13 with diet and medication, but eventually he did need his transplant.

“David was the donor. It was a complete success and we’re absolutely delighted because it’s given Aaron a completely new lease of life.”

David added: “As well as that, Aaron has cerebral palsy, uncontrolled epilepsy and a rare chromosome disorder. Obviously he’s a full-time wheelchair user as well, but it hasn’t stopped him.”

After Sandra started running to help her mental health, they decided to find a way to do it together — and Team Kerr was born.

David said: “We only expected to do 5k runs, but now this fella has done more than 50 marathons. That’s incredible for Aaron and really built up his self-confidence.

“We found a company here in Northern Ireland called Boyce Precision Engineering which built us a chair to Aaron’s needs, specifically built for marathon running. Aaron is sitting on memory foam — we call it the Rolls-Royce of running chairs — and is so comfortable.

“Primarily, what’s behind us is inclusion for those with complex needs. All we want to do is to take part alongside everybody else. We want Aaron [to be able] to take part and enjoy the day alongside everybody else.”

Through their Team Kerr charity drive the family have raised thousands of pounds for good causes by running marathons over the years and they are running the TCS London Marathon on April 27 in aid of Little Heroes.

Sandra said: “We fundraise for a few charities. Normally we choose a charity that’s close to our hearts, the main ones being the Children’s Hospital in Belfast and the renal unit, but other causes as well.”

Aaron is non-verbal and was once shy but now loves the social aspect of race days, giving out handshakes and hugs to one and all.

David said: “Socially it was difficult for him at times, but it’s been a by-product of the running. Initially it was for us to get out and stay fit and do something as a family, but the by-product is Aaron’s confidence.

“He’s known throughout the running community for his hugs, but it’s done so much for him for his quality of life and then, in turn, for ours. We just hope that it’s a positive message that we bring, and we think we’ve got that across over the years.

“We’re delighted to see Aaron get recognition. He got a BEM in the King’s Honours in 2023. He was in Downing Street November that year and at Buckingham Palace last year , so it’s just lovely to see him get the recognition. Hopefully through that others will take some inspiration and get out and enjoy life. Organ donation is a huge part of our life. Aaron was 13 at the time [of his surgery]and it was certainly the turning point for us. It really is the gift of life.”

That’s why the winner of the 2024 Spirit of Northern Ireland’s Overcoming Adversity Award, sponsored by Coca-Cola, was Aaron Kerr, receiving his accolade from UTV news anchor Paul Clark and Diane Carson from The Traitors.

Speaking to us a year on, David added: “It was lovely seeing all the other nominees and the winners and everything. It was just a really good night, a really good sociable evening. We were delighted. We’ve worked hard, and Aaron’s worked hard, for the 10 years. To be recognised, especially by the local community, is fantastic, so we were really, really chuffed.”

The Overcoming Adversity category is again being sponsored by Coca-Cola, whose corporate affairs and sustainability director Tom Burke told us why it is important for the brand to be involved: “We are thrilled once again to support the Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards and celebrate those who make a real and lasting impact. The Overcoming Adversity Award champions individuals who prove that it is possible to conquer life’s obstacles and achieve extraordinary success.

“We are privileged to support this category, as it reflects our dedication to empowering our local communities, employees and customers.

“Celebrating these inspiring individuals who have prevailed against significant challenges to fulfil their aspirations is a true honour for us.”

Our sister title Sunday Life is calling for readers to help us celebrate unsung heroes from all walks of life at this year’s Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank.

Sunday Life wants your nominations of people from every county who have gone above and beyond for others, excelled in their field, shown immense bravery or overcome great adversity in life.

Now established as the biggest ceremony of its kind, the special gala night continues to attract some of the biggest names in showbiz and sport to add some sparkle to the occasion.

The event is all about recognising everyday people who achieve extraordinary things. It is such individuals and groups like these that we want you to nominate for a Spirit of Northern Ireland Award this year.

All of our categories are listed, including awards for Unsung Hero, Charity Champion, Community Hero and more.

We have sought people who have demonstrated a spirit of compassion, neighbourliness, charity, courage or devotion, or those who have gone beyond the call of duty in the fields of education, the emergency services, the caring sector, health or sport.

The awards ceremony will be held at Culloden Estate and Spa in Cultra, Co Down, on Friday, June 20 and will be hosted by a UTV presenter and Cool FM’s Pete Snodden, with the radio station also the media partner.

To cast your nominations, email spiritofniawards@sundaylife.co.uk telling us, in no more than 200 words, why your nominated person/group deserves an award. The closing date for nominations is May 4.

Find out more about the Kerr family at teamkerr.net and the Team Kerr Facebook page. To donate, see ‘Team Kerr Running & Rolling London Marathon for Little Heroes’ on Team Kerr’s JustGiving page.