Robin Cancer Trust
Toby Freeman, from Colchester, said he had “more determination than ever”
A man whose brother died of cancer is aiming to break a world record at the 2026 London Marathon.
Toby Freeman, from Colchester, wants to become the fastest man dressed as a body part — in his case, a giant pair of testicles — to complete the 26-mile run in the capital in April.
The 36-year-old is running for the Robin Cancer Trust, a charity he founded in memory of his older sibling, who died from testicular cancer in 2011.
“There’s world records for everything and this one is quite niche,” he admitted.
The quirky record is held by Ollie Shortt, who crossed the line dressed as a bone, after three hours, 32 minutes and 21 seconds.
It was one of 42 Guinness World Records achieved during the 2025 race.
“I believe I can do it,” Mr Freeman said. “I’ve got a training plan and more determination than ever.
“I’m having to train really hard, really fast and getting up early in the morning in the cold.”
Robin Cancer Trust
Toby Freeman is coming off the back of a huge year of fundraising
Mr Freeman’s attempt follows a huge year of fundraising efforts, having raised £18,500 by running 500km (310 miles) in 2025.
He ran the length of Hadrian’s Wall, which measures about 135km (84 miles), in June and also took part in the London and Brighton marathons.
“There has been an absolutely incredible response. It’s been a little bit overwhelming, but in a positive way,” he said.
“You put in all this training, these hours in the dark and wet and sometimes you think ‘what is my life?’.
“But when you get a message or see someone’s donated to support the cause you think that makes all of this worthwhile; it’s having a tangible impact.”
Supplied
Robin Freeman, pictured with his mum, died within 10 months of being diagnosed with testicular cancer
Mr Freeman hoped his latest fundraising effort would help to raise awareness about testicular cancer.
There are about 2,400 new cases of this type of cancer in the UK every year, according to Cancer Research UK.
“I lost my brother Rob to a late stage testicular cancer when he was 24,” Mr Freeman added.
“Rob was my best friend, my elder brother and the inspiration behind setting up the Robin Cancer Trust.
“Running has become an outlet for my mental health and my physical health, and I realised it’s vital to me being as productive as possible.”