King's College Hospital Charity - Annual Report & Accounts 2020-21 - Flipbook - Page 55
Thank you
Robert’s story
In 2007, someone told Robert Cowlin that he would
be unable to finish a marathon. Despite weighing
twenty-eight stone and with no preparation training,
Robert was determined to prove them wrong.
When Robert embarked on his first marathon, he hated
running. But he did it to raise money for charity – and to
prove people wrong. The race ignited a spark in him and
running soon became his passion. Robert continued
to complete races, raising more and more money for
charities and losing an incredible eight stone.
Robert didn’t finish the TP100 in 2017 but he went
back three years later, determined to “get it done” in
Mark’s memory and to raise money for King’s College
Hospital Charity. He finished the race in twenty-six
hours, thirty-nine minutes and forty seconds – his
fastest 100-mile race by two hours.
Over the last thirteen years, Robert has run 135
races, including ultra marathons. Recently, he took
on a 100-mile race in memory of his dear friend,
Mark Thornberry.
On 10 October 2020, Robert completed the Centurion
Autumn 100. He fondly remembers watching Mark
run 145 miles in the Grand Union Canal Race and used
this memory to keep him going. “Inspired by my late
friend, I’m taking on a series of challenges that are
beyond what I thought I could do,” says Robert.
“I’m the fittest I’ve ever been and have found joy
and the most amazing friends in running.”
Robert was first introduced to Mark in 2017 at the
Thames Path race (TP100), a 100-mile continuous trail
race along the Thames Path from London to Oxford.
The two men had the same passion for running and
fundraising, which Mark once described as being
“great for the soul.” Robert remembers Mark shaking
his hand and wishing him good luck. The friends
instantly clicked.
At the time, Robert did not know that Mark had
just been diagnosed with cancer of the liver
and told he had only a few months to live.
Mark sadly passed away in June 2020.
Robert has raised over £2,000 for King’s College
Hospital Charity, adding valued funds to his dear
friend Mark’s fundraising total of over £144,000.
“
I’m raising funds for
King’s College Hospital Charity
in Mark’s name. I know that
liver cancer is underfunded and
I want to do whatever I can to
carry on the legacy of my late
and great friend. The least I can
do is give it my best shot.”
Robert
Remembering Mark Thornberry,
a great friend and inspiration.
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