Rob decided to take on London Marathon in April 2026 to mark his retirement after five years working at The Royal Marsden.
"I'm retiring this year, and what better way to celebrate The Royal Marsden, pharmacy, and drug research than running the London Marathon as a drug capsule?"
With 147 runners, the 2026 London Marathon was the biggest year yet for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, and the fundraising total so far sits at over £830,000.
For Rob, this event marked his fifty-fifth marathon, and he felt strongly about choosing to do it for the Charity.
"I said if I ever got the opportunity to run London Marathon again, I would have to run for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, and I’d have to run it in costume."
The drug capsule costume
The costume was inspired by Rob's work as a pharmacist, and the important drug research going on at The Royal Marsden.
"I’ve been incredibly lucky in my career to see many of the drugs that we have been involved in supporting the early-stage clinical trials progress of become mainstream cancer treatments."
"It’s something very special to know you are a part of this – and to know that through the work of the pharmacy and clinical teams there are patients alive today, who just a few short years ago would no longer be with us."
Due to the size and weight of the costume, this was one of Rob’s most challenging marathons. He credits the support from the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity team and cheerpoints, as well as the other runners, for keeping him going.
"Nothing comes close to the atmosphere at London Marathon."
The 2026 TCS London Marathon broke the world record for number of finishers in a marathon, with an incredible 59,830 runners making it over the finish line. Many participants like Rob see it as a bucket list item, and not one to be missed if you get the chance.
“I always recommend people to take on a marathon if they can. Particularly in London, the atmosphere is so good. If you get a charity place, you’re given a huge amount of support from the moment you get your place and all the way through.”
Fundraising for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
Running as part of Team Marsden allowed Rob to get to know the other 146 fundraisers taking it on for the Charity.
"We created a really tight knit group amongst the runners, and all of them had an amazing connection to the Marsden, which made it extra special. It was emotional, but it was also a massive high."
Fundraising largely through his network of colleagues at The Royal Marsden, Rob raised an amazing £1,280.
When asked why he chose to fundraise for charity, Rob explained the gratitude he feels for the Charity's work in funding research, but also in supporting patients and their families.
"I see on a day-to-day basis what we do with the Charity's funding, and how the funds support our patients. Regardless of new advancements in treatment, it's a massive thing for them and their families to get a diagnosis of cancer. The work the Charity does makes this experience easier, so I felt I wanted to give something back."
A huge thank you to Rob and all of our London Marathon runners
We would like to thank Rob for his incredible support for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, and congratulations on his retirement this year.
Are you interested in taking on a fitness challenge and raising money to support the work of The Royal Marsden? From marathons and bike rides to scenic treks and outdoor swims, you can find an event that suits you.