In memory of his dad Barney

Rob Deering will be running his 11th London Marathon this Sunday.

The comic will be raising money for Parkinson’s UK in memory of his dad, Barney, who lived with the disease for nearly 20 years, before dying in 2019.

He first ran the 26-mile course in 2011, and although his dad’s health made attending difficult, he made it to mile 25 to cheer his son on. 

Deering said: ‘He was there for me that first time - and I know he’ll be with me again this Sunday."

‘Running for Parkinson’s UK gives me purpose. My dad faced Parkinson’s with strength, and running has been one of the ways I stay connected to him - and to the wider community of people affected by the condition.’

• Deering as a teenager with his dad

The comic fractured his rib six weeks ago, so says: ‘This one’s going to be slower and steadier, but that’s OK. It’s about showing up, supporting a cause I care deeply about, and being part of something bigger than myself.’

Deering has previously run 25 marathons in total, as well as other ultra-distance events like the 100km Race To The Stones in Oxfordshire, the Bannau Brycheiniog Mountain Ultra in South Wales, and the upcoming Race to the King  along the South Downs Way.

But he said the London Marathon is special as 'every runner has a story, and so many are running for causes they care about. There’s such power in that.’

Beckett has raised more than £173,000 for Parkinson’s UK  over the years. As well as sponsored runs, his contributions include organising the annual Shake With Laughter comedy benefits and donating his winnings from TV quizzes, including £24,000 from The Weakest Link in 2007.   

Paul Jackson-Clark, director of fundraising at the charity, said:

'We’re so grateful to Rob for everything he’s done for the Parkinson’s community. Running the London Marathon for the 11th time, especially in memory of his dad, Barney, is such a special and personal way to show his support. Rob brings so much kindness, energy and heart to everything he does, and we’ll all be rooting for him on the day.’

Rob will be running the marathon alongside fellow comedian Paul Tonkinson, with whom he hosts the running-themed podcast Running Commentary.

Earlier this week, Chortle reported how Romesh Ranganathan was taking part in the London Marathon  for the Teenage Cancer Trust. While fellow comics also taking part include Joel Dommett, Jack Skipper, Helen Thorn of Scummy Mummies and social media star Shabaz Ali.

Published: 25 Apr 2025