Today, as the world marks World AML Awareness Day, one runner among the thousands at the TCS London Marathon start line is carrying a message that is deeply personal.
Rob Martin is taking on the London Marathon for his father, who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) earlier this year at the age of 90. In a year that has tested his family’s resilience, Rob has chosen to turn his emotions into action, joining Team Cure Leukaemia to raise vital funds for life-saving research.
AML is an aggressive form of blood cancer that can affect people of all ages, but the diagnosis of a loved one in their tenth decade brings a unique set of challenges.
“My dad’s diagnosis earlier this year was a huge shock to the family. At 90, he has seen so much, but this was a new battle. Running for Cure Leukaemia felt like the only way to fight back – to show him he isn’t in this alone and to help ensure that other families have more time together.”
Rob isn’t the only one laced up for the cause, earlier this month, one of Rob’s close friends successfully completed the Paris Marathon, their medals dedicated to Rob’s father. The momentum doesn’t stop at the London finish line with another group of friends is already deep in training for the Dublin Marathon this October.
“Seeing my friends push themselves in Paris and knowing others are gearing up for Dublin gives me so much strength. It’s not just my race anymore; it’s our collective way of standing up to AML.”
“We’ve also started a football team in Dad’s name, John Martin XI. Conor, who ran in Paris, my brother Johnny and girlfriend Kirby have been instrumental in the success of the team.”
World AML Awareness Day aims to shine a light on the symptoms and the urgent need for better treatments for this complex cancer. By running for Cure Leukaemia, Rob and his friends are directly supporting clinical trials, which connects patients across the UK to new treatments.
The warmth of the community response has been overwhelming. Rob’s fundraising page has become a hub of support, with donations pouring in from friends, family, and strangers moved by his father’s story.
Rob’s story is a powerful reminder that anyone can help “Run For A Cure.” Whether it’s through a marathon, a local 5k, or a donation, every contribution helps fund the specialist nurses and research needed to beat blood cancer.
“We can’t change the diagnosis, but we can change the future for others,” says Rob. “If my dad can face this at 90, I can certainly run 26 miles to help find a cure.”
To support Rob Martin’s fundraising journey and Cure Leukaemia, visit his fundraising page here – https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/robin-martin