Father to run marathon in place of late son

The father of a former Great Britain athlete who died aged 28 is to take his son's place at the Brighton Marathon.

Robbie Fitzgibbon, who died in October 2024, had registered to take part in the event to raise funds for mental health charity Mind.

The middle distance runner represented his country at several international events.

His father, Robin Fitzgibbon, said taking his son's place at the marathon had given him a "focus and purpose" at a time when he needed it most.

"I have always found running great to relieve stress and clear the mental fog we all get from time to time," he said.

Warning: Contains distressing content

Mr Fitzgibbon said his son required an operation after he snapped one of his tendons in his lower leg.

"Robbie worked very hard to recover, but ultimately couldn't find the form he needed afterwards to perform at the highest level," Mr Fitzgibbon added.

"This caused him to have some serious mental health issues, relating to the stress he put himself under."

He said that his son had suffered from psychosis and throughout that "dark time", he had wanted to help people who suffered like he did.

"He would be so proud to know his fundraising for Mind has raised so much money and awareness," Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The father said between him and his son's initial efforts, £25,000 had been raised so far.

After developing an interest in cross country running aged 11 while attending Dorothy Stringer School, Robbie Fitzgibbon joined Brighton Phoenix running club.

In 2019, he reached the 1,500m final at the European Athletics Indoor Championships and went on to compete in several Diamond League races.

His former coach Jon Bigg, from Brighton Phoenix, said: "It's been difficult for everyone who had known Robbie.

"Mental illness is just a dreadful thing for young people to deal with."

He added that several of the athlete's former teammates were also due to run the marathon in his memory.

The Brighton Marathon will take place on Sunday.

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