Matt, Hugh, James and Evan Carter are raising money for Melanoma Focus and Maggie's Centres
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
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A final message to say thank you to everyone that's donated and shared messages of support. We did it! Thanks to your help and generosity, we're delighted to have raised with gift aid over £7,000 for two fantastic charities that help people with cancer day in, day out. Thank you!! x
From all of us, i want to say a huge thank you for all the messages and donations. Your kindness and support will help make the 42,195 metres fly by! Both charities have been in touch to pass on their thanks too. We've hopefully done something good out of something bad. Just need to get the race sorted now!
Three weeks to go until Rome and for us four, yesterday was the longest training run at ~20 miles. It wasn't pretty and for some of us it wasn't quick, but it's done! When the legs were tired and burning it made a big difference to know we have so much support. Thank you all for your kindness and messages - we're in awe of your generosity ❤️
Wow… From all of us, thank you so much for your lovely messages of support - and on behalf of two brilliant charities, thank you for your generosity. These wonderful donations will make a difference for people coping with cancer in the future. Thank you, from The Carter Lads ❤️
Charity number: 1124716
Charity number: SC024414 
Event
22nd March 2026
By 154 supporters
+ £12.50 Gift Aid
Amazing work Carter family!
+ £2.50 Gift Aid
Well done Hugh and the fam
+ £5.00 Gift Aid
+ £5.00 Gift Aid
Brilliant!! Well done Team xxx
Well done Carters, truly awesome effort xx
+ £7.50 Gift Aid
Well done to the team of runners and supporters!
Amazing - well done!
+ £5.00 Gift Aid
Well done, four lads! You look great!
+ £12.50 Gift Aid
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