Rob Anderson shares his experience of care at St Christopher’s and his plans for Fun Walk 2026
Thousands of people have completed the St Christopher’s Fun Walk over the years, almost all raising money in memory of a loved one who was cared for by the hospice. Rob Anderson’s motivation to walk the three-mile course this year came from within and required some serious resolve. He’s been one of our patients since March 2024 when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 thyroid and spinal cancer.
Making it around the course at Keston Common really was no small feat for Rob, 53 as he’s had to learn to stand and walk properly not once, but twice, since his diagnosis – both times with the help of the rehabilitation team at St Christopher’s.
“While the three miles were a real challenge, I walked for all the patients at St Christopher’s”, he said.
As well as wanting to raise vital funds, Rob is keen to raise awareness of the breadth of care and support on offer at St Christophers.
“There is so much more to it than people think“
“I was diagnosed ‘out of the blue’,” said Rob. “Since then, I have entered the world of cancer and have endured various treatments, but I am still here and I’m being positive.”
Since his diagnosis in March 2024, Rob has faced a lot of challenges including needing to learn how to walk and stand properly again a couple of times. With extensive rehab with the help of St Christopher’s, Rob’s ability to walk has improved significantly and “while the 3 miles were a real challenge, I walked for all the patients at St Christopher’s,” he said. “Being referred to a hospice is scary,” he confessed, explaining how he used to drive past St Christopher’s all the time, never imagining he’d end up needing to become a patient there. “I didn’t have a clear understanding of what a hospice is, and it’s not the place I wanted to be, but it’s not a scary place, it helps people feel better and it makes a big difference”, Rob said.
As well as rehab, Rob had support with pain management, which he praises: “They gave me so much advice and called me often to check if I was ok. They are incredibly professional but also so friendly.”
Rob’s a big advocate for the hospice now. He explains: “There’s a whole side to St Christopher’s that people don’t know about. It’s not all doom and gloom, it will help people feel better.” For him, St Christopher’s provides a vital space for open conversations, something he truly values. “My wife had cancer and it was always really difficult for me to use the word cancer, but because she is open and so good at talking about feelings, when I was diagnosed I able to talk and not be afraid to discuss my cancer and things like hospices and treatments were easier to deal with,” he shared. He also highlights the hospice’s café as an unexpected bonus. “It’s a great café and anyone can go in there for a brew.”
Living with a serious illness and receiving hospice care doesn’t necessarily stop you from staying positive either, Rob emphasises.
“People think both things can’t co-exist, but they absolutely can.”.
While he’s been discharged from being an in patient and doesn’t need active hospice care, knowing he can access support again at St Christopher’s at any time is a huge comfort.
Rob’s incredible effort at Fun Walk didn’t just raise funds; it also helped to rethink common misconceptions about hospice care, showing St Christopher’s as a place of support, recovery, and renewed hope. As he summarises so succinctly, “It’s not a scary place!”.
This year, Rob managed to pull off his fundraising efforts in just eight days, reaching out to friends and family, and 20 of them walked alongside him. “Next year, my goal is to bring 100!”
Rob has raised £2702 for St Christopher’s by taking part in Fun Walk 2025.
If Rob’s story has inspired you, Fun Walk returns on Sunday 10 May 2026… but you don’t have to wait that long if want to take on a challenge.
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