Rob Runs Yorkshire Marathon with Brother-in-law Andrew for Prostate Cancer

Rob is running the Altra Yorkshire Marathon this October with his brother-in-law Andrew to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

While Rob has always enjoyed sports, he would not have described himself as a runner, particularly not over long distances. His running journey started at the age of 45 with the Couch to 5K in 2020.

"I gradually increased my distances over time, and only gained confidence in 2024 to tackle a marathon after joining and training with the wonderful Runnymede Runners Club."

In that same year, Rob's sister Pippa married Andrew not long after he was diagnosed with final stage prostate cancer.

Rob luckily gained a charity place at his first marathon in London, though unfortunately not on behalf of Prostate Cancer UK, but rather a wonderful hospice in Kent called Ellenor.

"Pippa and Andrew came down from Leicester to support, helping me mentally keep going in the tough second half. I knew afterwards that I had to experience another marathon in a different city and try to break 4 hours this time."

Taking inspiration from the renowned ultra runner Kevin Webster, who ran with prostate cancer, Andrew is choosing to fight his cancer through exercise and mental strength to get his body in the best condition to keep the cancer at bay. He challenged himself to do a mini triathlon every day in May - 400m swimming, 20km cycling, and a 5km run.

It was just after the London Marathon that Andrew mentioned signing up for the Yorkshire Marathon:

"Despite the initial instinct to not think about doing another marathon, I just couldn't let him run without returning the favour and joining him on his challenge...Given his day-to-day physical difficulties the cancer brings, we many not run side by side, but we'll both be fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK, and I'll be there with him at the start and finish lines."

Rob's own fundraising challenge will start a week before the Altra Yorkshire Marathon, as he is also taking part in the London Royal Parks half marathon by running in a chicken costume!

You can support Rob in his efforts to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK by visiting his JustGiving page, seen below.