Rob Deering is to run the Brighton Marathon in memory of his friend and fellow comedian Phil Jerrod.

Jerrod died of sarcoma, a soft tissue cancer, in 2021 at the age of 42.

Deering – an avid runner – said: ‘My late friend Phil Jerrod was a great comedian, a genuinely lovely man and the quintessential Brightonian, so I'm running the Brighton Marathon in his memory.

‘I’m supporting Sarcoma UK, a national charity that funds vital research, and offers support for anyone affected by sarcoma, like Phil was, and campaigns for better treatments.’

Deering has already run more than 20 marathons, including eight London Marathons and last year’s Brighton event, which he completed in 4hrs 11mins. He also hosts the Running Commentary podcast on Acast with Paul Tonkinson, in which the two comedians talk about life, comedy and running.

Kerry Reeves-Kneip, director of fundraising at Sarcoma UK, added: ’We are so grateful to Rob for running the Brighton Marathon to raise funds for Sarcoma UK, while also raising such important awareness of sarcoma. We wish him all the best of luck for April 2.’

Last September, some of the UK’s top comedians took to the stage at the Brighton Dome for a benefit dedicated to Phil, and spearheaded by Angela Barnes, which raised £26,000 for Sarcoma UK.

Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that can affect any part of the body, including the muscle, bone, tendons, blood vessels and fatty tissues. Fifteen people are diagnosed with sarcoma every day in the UK – about 5,300 a year.

To donate to Rob’s fundraising efforts, visit his JustGiving page.