March 25, 2026
Next month, Robert will stand on the start line of the London Marathon and will be running for his son, Spencer. Diagnosed with MS in his early twenties, Spencer has been supported by Revive ever since, accessing services that have helped him maintain his mobility and wellbeing.
We sat down with Robert to talk about Spencer’s diagnosis, the role Revive has played in their journey, what’s driving him through the long and cold training runs and why he chose to support Revive in one of the world’s most iconic races.
Spencer was diagnosed when he was 22, but he had his initial relapse when he was 21. At that time, we had feelings of shock, apprehension and fear. We knew of this condition but not in any great detail, as we found out eventually there are several strains, which can affect you in different ways. There was an element of relief too, in that we knew what the problem was, therefore we trusted the Medical Professionals to treat and control it.
We contacted a family friend, a Senior Technician in the NHS who had been living with MS for around 30 years which gave us hope that he had held down a very demanding and skilled job whilst living with MS.
He spoke candidly about how he coped throughout this time.
This helped us considerably knowing you can live with this, yet lead a near normal life. These fears eventually turned to hope and optimism.
At the start, after diagnosis, the Counselling and Welfare & Benefits services were superb.
Over the last 5 years we feel the Physio Classes and Complementary Therapist have been very well received and helped considerably with mobility and stamina.
There is also the MSYT Group on Thursday every 2 weeks in the evenings, where members of the same age group get together and collaborate.
Obviously this support team is close to my heart. If I can raise any sum of money I know it is going to a fantastic cause. Spencer speaks incredibly highly of the level of support available. The facilities on offer are first class and I know it is not cheap to offer this level of support.
I found out a year ago one of my good friends was also diagnosed with MS and he also attends Revive, so this was also a factor in my decision to do this for Revive.
With this being a Spring Marathon, most of the training has to be undertaken in cold, wintry days and evenings – that is the downside. I don’t mind the rain, but combined with icy winds, it can be challenging. You have to be fully 100% committed to do this. It’s not easy coming in from work around half 6, get your gear on then get out into the freezing night for an hour or 2.
Everywhere you look, there are various experts offering Training Plans, but I have stuck to my own based on one or two 6 milers during the week, followed by an 18 to 23 miler at the weekend. I feel I have to get into the 20+ miles to experience the exhaustion and pain, just to prove to me I am in the zone and I will hopefully complete on the day with the support of the crowds, which I am led to believe gets you over the line.
You really need to keep the drive and focus to do this; it would be very easy to give up. My desire to do this has not waned since I received the email in June saying I was successful.
It has been on my mind for months now. On the day of a large run, I awake around 5am and have all these running routes bouncing around in my head, so it has taken over a large part of me.
I have been lucky that I have the support of Hazel (my wife,) she knows I need to be away for 4 to 5 hours every weekend. We both lead busy lives and the weekend is normally our time, but she understands – I think!
Excited and apprehensive at the same time. It’s only weeks to go and my only hope now is to remain injury free after all the hard work so I need to be careful juggling distance with pace.
Overall I feel ready, I have upgraded my shoes, running gear and lost weight so I just want to get on to the Start Line then Finish Line.
I have read extensively about running these events over the months and 2 profound slogans remain with me; “Finish Line not Finish Time” and “Complete not Compete”
Personally, pride and euphoria I suspect. There has been a pressure over the last few months, not intense pressure, but it has always been there and I think about it every day. It has been hard to get away from it.
There’s also the sensation of knowing I have done this for a great cause which can be hard to quantify.
From a parents perspective, I see the benefits supporting this cause can generate and these are reflected in Spencer’s general wellbeing and positive outlook. This is the reason I would strongly urge others to follow suit and support.
If you’d like to support Robert as he takes on this incredible challenge, you can donate via his fundraising page.
If Robert’s story has inspired you to lace up your trainers and take on a run for Revive MS Support, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more abut our upcoming runs and events.
