Our Marathon Runners: Rob Copley
Rob Copley, from Carshalton, is taking on the incredible challenge of running the London Marathon this year in memory of his father, John. Rob will be running the 26.2 miles to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Action and four other charities.
John was diagnosed with an advanced stage of pancreatic cancer after his symptoms were missed by his GP. Very shortly after diagnosis, John sadly passed away on 16th November 2011 peacefully at home.
Rob says, “I have never run a marathon before and probably never will again. It is a ridiculously long way to run and will hurt, but I am running for a very good cause. In fact, I am running for five very good causes.”
“Even at 67, dad could probably have still run a better marathon time than me! He was a lifetime Blackheath Harrier runner and finished the 1998 London Marathon in 3 hours and 40 minutes when he was 55 years old. The choice of event is poignant.”
Pancreatic cancer is the UK’s 5th biggest cancer killer. The survival rate is just 5% which is the lowest of any cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer Action is committed to working towards earlier diagnosis of the disease so that surgery, currently the only cure, is made available to the sufferer. The charity fund research into early diagnosis, provide medical education programmes, and launch awareness campaigns.
Ali Stunt, Founder of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “We are delighted that Rob is taking part in the London Marathon to help raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer Action as well as 4 other incredible charities. We are very sorry to hear about John, it is lovely that you are running in his memory.”
“We rely solely on donations from the public and it’s thanks to people like Rob that we can continue our vital work. Please back him in his fundraising efforts so that we can continue research into early diagnosis and raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.”
To find out more about Rob’s fundraising and to sponsor him, click here.