Running the London Marathon in memory of my dad

Robert Singh, 30, from Harold Hill, was lucky enough to get a ballot place in the London Marathon but he wanted to make the experience even more special by fundraising for Saint Francis Hospice so it could care for people like his dad Gurmit Singh and family.

I’ve entered the ballot many times over the years but never got in so when I got a ballot place, I wanted to run for Saint Francis Hospice.

Remembering Dad

I wanted to make it a bit more special and it is my way of saying thank you for the care they gave my dad and to help other people who need the hospice.

Dad was diagnosed with myeloma (a type of bone marrow cancer) three days before Christmas in 2013 and when two rounds of chemotherapy didn’t work, we were told there was no more that could be done.

Robert (right) with his Dad

Nurses came to visit dad at home and he was at the hospice for four days. We were given the family room so my mum, brother and I could all stay with dad.

After he passed away in August 2015, my mum and I had counselling and it helped me so much.

Dad used to do lots of activities with us when we were young and he used to be a member of Barking Road Runners.

It was actually my uncle Andrew, who was also a member of Barking Road Runners, who got me into running back in 2011 when I did a 5 mile run. I then moved on to a 10k in Southend and that was the last time my dad saw me run.

Running has become a passion

I’ve run quite a few half marathons. I ran the Brentwood Half Marathon last year and got a personal best! This year, I ran my second Chelmsford Half Marathon. The Chelmsford Half is such a great event and I enjoy running through the country lanes as it is so peaceful and the air so much cleaner.

I was nervous and excited about the London Marathon as it was my first marathon and my biggest challenge. But I kept thinking of my dad and took in the phenomenal atmosphere as I went.

I am proud to have completed the marathon in 4 hours and 41 minutes. The atmosphere was amazing.

When I found the last few miles tough, the crowd kept me going by cheering my name. I felt they became my second wind and it gave me the massive boost I needed.