A 'DETERMINED' dad living with life-limiting brain cancer has completed a half marathon after having chemotherapy and surgery.

Rob Seaward, 38, from Marlow, completed the Marlow Half Marathon on Sunday, November 3, in a time of two hours 17 minutes despite taking a year off running following treatment for a brain tumour. 

His achievement in aid of Brain Tumour Research, comes just six months after completing chemotherapy. It’s after he was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma in January 2023 following a collapse at home. 

Rob, who works as an electrical estimator, said: “Two weeks ago, a parent at the school gate offered me their place in the event because they could no longer take part. When I told my very supportive wife, Shelley, she was surprised I’d signed up for another physical challenge so soon after treatment.”

Rob during radiotherapy.  (Image: Brain Tumour Research) During an operation which removed 96% of his tumour, the father of three suffered a seizure.

Within six weeks, he returned to exercise, crediting his six-week recovery to a positive mindset and healthy lifestyle. 

Fitness fanatic, Rob, is no stranger to an endurance challenge. In June he cycled 987 miles around England in three weeks whilst undergoing chemotherapy. The year before, he rode 200 miles from Buckinghamshire to Paris. 

Rob next has his sights on the world-famous IRONMAN Triathlon.

He added: “If someone tells me I can’t do something then I make it my business to go and do it. I want to show people that it isn’t too late to start something new and to show people that cancer is something you can live alongside.” 

Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Rob’s story is sadly not unfamiliar, one in three people knows someone affected by a brain tumour.

"He has shown determination and courage in his lengthy challenges. Spending time away from his family who we know is incredibly proud of him, as are we. We’d like to wish Rob well for his ongoing scans and once again congratulate him on another fantastic challenge.” 

Rob with his wife and kids. (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1 per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002. 

Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.

To donate to Brain Tumour Research via Rob’s fundraising efforts, please visit: www.gofundme.com/f/cycle-through-chemo