Ipswich: 50-year-old to run 50th marathon for MND charity

Dave Robinson is doing this challenge after being inspired to generate some cash and awareness for MND after the death of his friend, Phil Meikle.

Mr Robinson got to know Phil during his time working at Ipswich Town in his role as head of education.

Whilst working for the academy, he came across Phil via his son Shaun Meikle who was an Ipswich Town scholar.

Dave Robinson, One Sixth Form College sports lecturer (Image: Eastern Colleges Group)

After Shaun left the club, Mr Robinson stayed in touch with the Meikle family, and was "gutted" when he discovered that Phil had MND in 2019.

The One Sixth Form College sports lecturer said: "Phil is a similar age to me and I was gutted when I heard the news about Phil's illness and subsequent passing last year.

"It made me want to do something in his memory."

Both Phil and Shaun are from Edinburgh, which is why Mr Robinson will hit this landmark 50th marathon at the Edinburgh Marathon on May 28.

Shaun and Phil Meikle (Image: Shaun Meikle)

He said: "I've always had in my head I wanted to run my 50th marathon in my 50th year and one of the first marathons I did in the 90s was the Edinburgh Marathon.

"By having this connection to the city through Phil and Shaun meant it was an easy decision to bring it all together.

"I was inspired by Phil and I wanted to show my respects to him, Shaun and the family by running in his memory."

Dave will be running in Edinburgh (Image: Dave Robinson)

Shaun Meikle, Phil's son, now lives back near Edinburgh following his stint with Ipswich.

He said: "When Dave said he wanted to do the marathon in honour of my dad, I just thought it was a really nice gesture.

"The fact he is doing his 50th marathon in his 50th year is very fitting.

"Dave is a real diamond."

A JustGiving page has been started to raise money for MND and support Dave's journey.