Running Rome for Maggies and Melanoma Focus

Together with my three sons, Hugh, James and Evan, I'm running the Rome Marathon to raise awareness of skin cancer and to raise funds for the charities Melanoma Focus and Maggie's.

Just over a year ago, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer.  The primary lesion was on my scalp and given it had already spread a little it required multiple operations to remove. Thankfully the surgery worked and by the end of March I’d had four operations, was left with a hole in my head, but most importantly the scans said there was no longer any evidence of disease.  That remains true today.

I’m hugely grateful to the NHS oncologists, radiologists, nurses and surgeons – they really have been fabulous at every stage.  In addition, I’m also thankful for the free services provided by charities Melanoma Focus and Maggie’s.  Melanoma Focus provides brilliant factual and understandable information for people wanting to know what’s happening and when the internet can be a scary place. Maggie’s provides emotional support and practical advice, a place to go to talk to people who understand what you are going through.  Both have been invaluable to me and my family.

One consequence of all this was I had to miss my place in last year’s Rome Marathon. However the marathon team were kind enough to let me defer to 2026.  And this year the race falls on my birthday – I guess it was meant to be...

So on 22nd March 2026 I’m running Rome and this time I’m going to be joined by all of my sons (with Erica as chief cheerleader).  We’re using the run to raise awareness of the importance of checking for skin cancer – so far I have been fortunate mine was found early – and also to raise money for some brilliant charities who day in, day out provide help and support for cancer sufferers.

These aren’t charity places – we’ve no target to need to hit.  We just want to give something back.  So anything you can spare will be much appreciated.
 
Matt, Hugh, James, and Evan

Photo - thanks to Vicki Head Photography