Meet the Charity Behind the Colchester Half Marathon

Nov 3

2 min read

When you think of the Colchester Half Marathon, you probably think of the cheering crowds, tackling North Hill and how Ipswich Road feels never ending!

RCT charity runner in a red tshirt runs the Colchester half marathon, reaching out her arm to a young child on a man's shoulders in the crowd as she goes past

But behind the race is a story that started with one family and when you take part, you're not just running for a medal. You're helping us save lives.

The Colchester Half Marathon is organised by The Robin Cancer Trust, the UK's only charity dedicated to testicular, ovarian and germ cell cancers.

After losing his brother Robin, our Founder and CEO Toby Freeman made a promise that Robin would not simply become a photograph on the wall. That promise became The Robin Cancer Trust which was founded in 2012.

More than a decade later, we're continuing that promise by working across the UK to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of testicular and ovarian cancer because early detection can help save lives.

Why our work matters

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged 15–45, with 2,400 men being diagnosed each year in the UK. Testicular cancer is 95% curable when detected early.

Around 7,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK every year, but when detected early, ovarian cancer is 90% curable.

Our vital work is about making sure people know the signs and symptoms, understand what is normal for them and know when to get something checked with their GP.

Please click the links below to learn more:

But awareness is only part of what we do.

We also provide support to people affected by cancer and their families, including our Thriver Packs and WhatsApp support groups, helping people know that they don't have to face cancer alone.

And through fundraising, awareness talks and partnerships, we work to create lasting impact and behaviour change.

Your miles can make a difference

And through fundraising, awareness talks and partnerships, we work to create lasting impact and behaviour change.

That's why the Colchester Half Marathon means so much to us.

Every runner who takes part becomes part of something bigger.

Your 13.1 miles could help us deliver an awareness talk in a school or college, support someone through a cancer diagnosis or start a conversation that could ultimately save a life.