Chester school teacher runs marathon in memory of brother-in-law

Queen’s Park High School maths teacher Robin Johnson marked his 50th birthday by running a marathon in memory of his brother-in-law James Donovan.

James sadly passed away a year ago after a long battle with cancer. Due to Covid restrictions, very few people were able to attend his funeral and both family and friends have not yet had a proper opportunity to celebrate his life.

Queen's Park High School maths teacher Robin Johnson has been raising funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

On Tuesday, April 20, Robin ran the marathon to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Robin had been planning to run the London Marathon this month, but due to the pandemic, this marathon has been pushed back, so he decided he would organise his own marathon on the day of his birthday in honour of James and the charity that provided so much help and support to the family.

His meticulously planned route followed a scenic one-mile loop along the banks of the River Dee, starting and finishing at Queen's Park High School, which he repeated 26 times to reach the milestone distance.

Queen's Park High School maths teacher Robin Johnson completed a marathon in memory of his brother-in-law.

He enlisted the support and encouragement of over 30 runners, comprising Queen’s Park High School staff and students, plus friends and family to join him for one or more of the laps (with up to a maximum of six runners per lap to adhere to social distancing rules).

All money raised will be going to the Royal Marsden Hospital, a world-leading cancer centre that provided such excellent care, for James and his family.

Just before James passed away, the Marsden actually allowed Robin to take James’ beloved dog, Flossie, up to see him in his hospital room – a very precious moment of a man and his best friend overjoyed to be reunited for one last time.

The fancy dress lap.

Robin said: “I'm running this to mark my 50th birthday at a crazy time in modern history, but also and more importantly, to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The care they provided to the whole family was excellent and they are absolutely a worthy cause to support.”

After finishing his gruelling run, Robin added: “The first 17 miles were a dream, the last nine were a nightmare.

"If it hadn’t been for the support of my colleagues and students, I don’t think I’d have made it. As I approached the finish line, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be sick or burst into tears, but I managed to hold it together.”

Robin triumphantly completed all 26 miles within four and a half hours.

Queen's Park High School students showing their support.

The school said this was a phenomenal achievement and would like to give a special shout out to all the Sixth Form students and staff who ran alongside him to keep up the pace and help him stay focused and motivated; particularly Ben Baker (Year 13), Joe Smith and Josh Halewood (Year 12) who completed half a marathon and nine miles respectively.

Joe and Josh said: “Our legs felt like jelly after running nine miles, but it was great to support sir and his charitable cause.”

Queen's Park High School staff showing their support.

Robin has already raised over his target amount of £2,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity thanks to the support and generosity of family, friends, colleagues and the QPHS community.

To show support, donate at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/50thbirthdaymarathon

Robin Johnson at the end of his marathon challenge.