28-year-old takes on 57km fundraising walk inspired by cancer patients he works with
A 28-year-old man who works with brain tumour patients who have “nowhere else to turn” is walking more than 35 miles for charity.
Rob Daly, who lives next to Wimbledon Park in Wimbledon, will be trekking from Eastbourne to Hove in a 57km South Coast Challenge on Saturday.
The lead clinical study manager at The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, is raising funds for the charity Brain Tumour Research.
He said: “I run clinical trials for cancer patients with all types of tumours, including brain tumours and glioblastoma (GBM), using drugs that haven’t been tested before in patients.
“Sometimes patients have a response but the fact there’s not really much available to them, apart from coming to us, is my main reason for doing this for Brain Tumour Research.
“I want to give something back to those we work with and raise awareness of brain tumours and the lack of support out there.
“They’re especially prevalent in young people so it’s a particularly cruel cancer.”
Mr Daly is fairly active but said he has been walking much more in preparation for his challenge – which he expects will take him 12 hours to complete.
The South Coast Challenge is a popular fundraising opportunity that allows people to walk or run the coastal path across the South Downs Way.
Mr Daly said his main concern is getting to and from the event as rail strikes are likely to impact train schedules on Saturday, leaving him with no option but to use taxis.
He said: “I didn’t realise it coincided with the next set of train strikes, so I’ll probably end up having to get a taxi in the morning.
“I just hope it doesn’t put others off going because that would be a real shame.”
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “No one understands the impact of the shocking underinvestment in brain tumour research more than those, like Mr Daly, who work with patients day in, day out.”
To support Rob’s fundraising, visit, www.justgiving.com/
Pictured top: Rob Daly in his charity vest (Picture: Brain Tumour Research)