*** Update Saturday 2nd Oct ***

I am disappointed beyond words and more than a little embarrassed to have to tell you than I won't be running the marathon on Sunday.

I have spoken with Sarcoma UK today and they have kindly offered to allow me to defer my place until Oct 2022.

To explain, I had a routine medical check-up this week - quite typical before running a marathon - and it's highlighted a minor issue, but just significant enough for the doctor to recommend that I don't run marathons whilst we sort it out. Genuinely nothing to worry about but all very last minute.

I expect to have my running shoes back on very soon.

Thank you once again to everyone - you have all been extremely encouraging and generous and I get to go again next year, raising awareness of Sarcoma UK and supporting #RobZedMetcalfe

*** *** ***

Thank you for visiting my page 

Rob is 32 years old and he has stage 4 synovial sarcoma. Rob is the son of my partner, Jenny. I have known him since he was a teenager. 

He received his terminal diagnosis about two years ago and although the last 18 months have been difficult for all of us, they have taken Rob to the very limits of his physical and mental wellbeing.

The most important person in Rob's life is his 4 year old son Caleb. Despite the challenges Rob has faced through major chest surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Rob remains determined that he and Caleb should have precious time together, sharing adventures and making memories.

You can follow Rob on his Facebook and Instagram - search for:

#WalkingWithSarcoma
#RobZedMetcalfe

https://www.facebook.com/WalkingWithSarcoma/

https://www.instagram.com/robzedmetcalfe/

If you've seen Rob's blog then you will already know much about his character as he is strikingly open and honest in these postings. I know him to be gentle, caring, kind and yet strong and passionate. During his illness he continues to put the thoughts and feelings of the people around him before himself, just as he has always done.

Rob explains that much of the motivation for his blog is to raise awareness of sarcoma - a new and little known form of cancer. My motivation for running the London Marathon is to support Rob in his efforts of raising the profile of this disease and to contribute much needed funding to Sarcoma UK.

Sarcoma UK is a national charity that funds vital research, offers support for anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and campaigns for better treatments: https://sarcoma.org.uk/

Sarcoma is a cancer that few have heard of. Its rarity should not hide the catastrophic effect it can have on those who have experienced sarcoma or their family and friends.

Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that can affect any part of the body, on the inside or outside, including the muscle, bone, tendons, blood vessels and fatty tissues.

More research needs to be done to fully understand how these cancers develop and spread and how best to diagnose and treat them. People can survive sarcoma if their cancer is diagnosed early, when treatments can be effective and before the sarcoma has spread to other parts of
the body.

Sarcoma UK has invested over £4.3 million into supporting groundbreaking sarcoma research.

Thank you for taking the time to read this page and if you have a moment, please have a look at Rob's blog. Just search for #WalkingWithSarcoma.

"Much love".