Childhood Eye Cancer Trust

Run4Robin

Darren Harris

Darren Harris

My Story

Last December, I lost my friend, former teammate, and fellow retinoblastoma (RB) brother, Robin Williams, to cancer.

Robin was taken far too soon—leaving behind his loving wife and family, in the prime of his life. His death hit me hard, not only because of who he was, but because of what it represents for those of us living with the genetic form of RB.

In the year leading up to London 2012, I struggled with depression. I’ve spoken about that period briefly in my TEDx talk, but I’ve never fully explained why.

For most of my life, I’ve had to come to terms with losing my sight. But when my remaining vision was finally gone, I realised that blindness wasn’t my final battle—it was just one part of a much bigger journey. Those of us with the defective Rb1 gene live with a significantly increased risk of developing second cancers later in life. That’s the reality Robin faced, and ultimately, what took him from us.

The truth is, living with constant uncertainty about your health—while trying to build a career, relationships, and a future—takes a toll that’s hard to put into words. It can feel like a ticking time bomb. Today, that reality is also what drives me.

I’m determined to stay as fit and healthy as possible so I can be here—for as long as possible—for my young children. I want to see them grow up. I want to be present. And I want to help ensure that families facing RB today and in the future have the support, information, and hope they deserve.

That’s why I’m raising money for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT). Their work supporting children, survivors, and families affected by retinoblastoma is vital—from diagnosis, through treatment, and long into adulthood.

If you’re able to donate, thank you. Your support helps honour Robin’s memory, supports families walking this path right now, and helps people like me keep fighting—for ourselves, and for those we love.

Childhood Eye Cancer Trust

Raising for:

Childhood Eye Cancer Trust
44%

Funded

  • Target
    £3,000
  • Raised so far
    £1,307
  • Number of donors
    48

My Story

Last December, I lost my friend, former teammate, and fellow retinoblastoma (RB) brother, Robin Williams, to cancer.

Robin was taken far too soon—leaving behind his loving wife and family, in the prime of his life. His death hit me hard, not only because of who he was, but because of what it represents for those of us living with the genetic form of RB.

In the year leading up to London 2012, I struggled with depression. I’ve spoken about that period briefly in my TEDx talk, but I’ve never fully explained why.

For most of my life, I’ve had to come to terms with losing my sight. But when my remaining vision was finally gone, I realised that blindness wasn’t my final battle—it was just one part of a much bigger journey. Those of us with the defective Rb1 gene live with a significantly increased risk of developing second cancers later in life. That’s the reality Robin faced, and ultimately, what took him from us.

The truth is, living with constant uncertainty about your health—while trying to build a career, relationships, and a future—takes a toll that’s hard to put into words. It can feel like a ticking time bomb. Today, that reality is also what drives me.

I’m determined to stay as fit and healthy as possible so I can be here—for as long as possible—for my young children. I want to see them grow up. I want to be present. And I want to help ensure that families facing RB today and in the future have the support, information, and hope they deserve.

That’s why I’m raising money for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT). Their work supporting children, survivors, and families affected by retinoblastoma is vital—from diagnosis, through treatment, and long into adulthood.

If you’re able to donate, thank you. Your support helps honour Robin’s memory, supports families walking this path right now, and helps people like me keep fighting—for ourselves, and for those we love.