Fiona Duppenbecker

Al's Army is back for a 2nd year!

Al’s Army will be coming together again in May to walk the   Banham Marsden March as we continue to honour our amazing Alastair and support the charity that meant so much to him –    The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

As many of you know, Alastair fought an incredible battle against stage 4 germ cell cancer for over 4.5 years from his diagnosis in 2019. Throughout that time, The Royal Marsden in Sutton became far more than just a hospital to us – it became our second home, a place where friendships were made, a place we spent Christmases, a place that gave us all hope and the very best of care.

From our first encounters with Royal Marsden staff, we were met with extraordinary care, warmth and reassurance. The urology team worked tirelessly, exploring every possible treatment option, whilst Alastair, determined and endlessly positive, faced each setback with strength and humour.

Thanks to the ground-breaking treatments and research funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, Alastair was given innovative treatment options that simply wouldn’t exist otherwise. He also became a dedicated spokesperson for the charity, sharing his story at events and in interviews, spreading a message of hope and positivity wherever he could.

In 2024, after being given the devastating news that the cancer had progressed again and with only months to live, Alastair took part in the Banham Marsden March himself as he was incredibly passionate about giving back to the hospital that, in his own words, had “saved his life multiple times” – he raised an amazing    £3,000, which he was incredibly proud of!

Now, in our 2nd year walking without Alastair physically by our side, we are more determined than ever to continue what he started. We miss Alastair every single day and walking together as Al’s Army reminds us of his strength, his gratitude, his positivity and his belief in giving back. Last year’s march was a beautiful day that brought together family and friends from all different part of Alastair’s life and we truly enjoyed walking through many special areas of London in Alastair’s memory.

This march is more than miles – it’s his legacy in motion and we would love for you to    join us!

Whether you’d like to walk as part of Al’s Army or support us with a donation, every step and every pound raised helps The Royal Marsden continue its life-saving research, treatment and care for families like ours.

Let’s keep Alastair’s message of hope moving forward!