The father of Robbie Fitzgibbon, Brighton’s international athletics star who died last year, says running the 2025 Brighton Marathon has given him “focus and purpose” at a time when he needed it most.
His death rocked the Brighton community but, in grief, Robbie’s dad, Robin, was determined to ensure his son’s fundraising would continue and that his memory would live on. So, he vowed to take on this year’s Brighton Marathon, on Sunday 6 April, in Robbie’s place.
Robin Fitzgibbon said: “I have always found running great to relieve stress and clear the mental fog we all get from time to time. I felt taking Robbie's place at the Brighton Marathon would give me some focus and purpose at a time I most needed it. And contributing positively to the great work that Mind does felt very much something Robbie would have wanted me to do.
“Robbie had a very bad injury, snapping one of his tendons in his lower leg and needed an operation. He worked very hard to recover but ultimately couldn't find the form he needed afterwards to perform at the highest level. This caused him to have some serious mental health issues, relating to the stress he put himself under, and he suffered from psychosis. Throughout this dark time, he wanted to help people who suffered like he did, and he would be so proud to know that his fundraising for Mind has raised so much money and awareness.”
Robin will be joined on the Start Line by several of Robbie’s old team-mates from his athletics club, Brighton Phoenix, who will also be running in his memory.
A prestigiously talented athlete and hugely popular character, Robbie joined Brighton Phoenix as a 12-year-old and went on to achieve great things in the sport, including winning an English Schools Championship for 1,500m and representing Great Britain at both junior and senior levels.
In the 2019 European Indoor Championships he achieved his greatest performance yet, placing eighth. However, he developed a severe ankle injury shortly after, which prevented him from reaching international level post-pandemic. Robbie was open about the toll not being able to compete was taking on him and spoke candidly about his mental health struggles.
He remained an active member of Brighton Phoenix and was second in the 2024 Sussex Cross-Country Championships. Following that, he signed up to run the 2025 Brighton Marathon for Mind with the ambition of raising money and awareness for the mental health charity.
Between Robbie’s initial fundraising and Robin’s subsequent efforts, the pair have raised more than £25,000 for Mind so far. You can support Robin’s marathon challenge by donating to Robbie’s fundraising efforts.