Suffolk runner taking on London Marathon after stage four cancer diagnosis

A Suffolk man diagnosed with stage four cancer is preparing to take on the London Marathon 2026 to give back to the hospital teams who are supporting him through his treatment. 

Sam Knibbs, from Ipswich and living in Witnesham with his wife Frankie, will run the 26.2-mile challenge to raise funds for Colchester & Ipswich
 Hospitals Charity, which supports services for patients and families across East Suffolk and North Essex. 

Sam’s decision to run the marathon came after a life-changing diagnosis in 2023. After discovering a melanoma lump in his shoulder, he received a call from a specialist at Ipswich Hospital on his birthday confirming the cancer had metastasised to his liver, making him a stage four cancer patient.  

Despite the difficult news and the challenges that followed, including intensive treatment and two spinal fractures, Sam says the support he has received from the NHS and the teams at Ipswich Hospital’s Woolverstone and Cancer Wellbeing Centre’s has helped him stay hopeful.  

Now he is determined to complete the London Marathon to raise funds that will help other patients facing a similar diagnosis. 

Sam said, “The NHS and the teams at Ipswich Hospital have given me everything I need to keep moving forward. Running this marathon is my way of giving all I can back.”  

Funds raised will help Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity enhance patient experience across East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) who run the hospitals. 

Fundraising Manager Sandra Gosney said, “Sam’s determination to take on the London Marathon after undergoing life changing treatment is incredibly inspiring. The funds he raises will help us continue supporting patients and families facing a similar diagnosis and when they need us most.” 

People can support Sam’s fundraising through his London Marathon fundraising page: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/knibbsy-running