The Robin Cancer Trust
Jun 16, 2025
He did it - three marathon's back-to-back along Hadrian's Wall as part of Toby's Big Ballsy Challenge. Read about his epic achievement, the local support, donations and moments of sheer exhaustion!
Last weekend, Toby Freeman, founder and CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust – completed one of the ballsiest fundraising challenges ever attempted - a 90-mile ultramarathon across Hadrian’s Wall in Northern England, dressed as a giant testicle.
Running from Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria to Tynemouth Sailing Club in North
Shields over three days, Toby covered more than three marathons back-to-back as part of the charity’s Big Ballsy Challenge, raising vital funds and awareness around testicular cancer – the most common cancer in young men.
Toby, said: “It was the hardest and most enjoyable thing I’ve ever done. Physically, it pushed me to the limit. But mentally, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. In the darkest moments, I thought of my brother Rob, and every single man out there facing testicular cancer, and that’s what kept me going.”
Toby lost his brother Robin to germ cell cancer at just 24 years old. Since then, Toby
and his family have dedicated their lives to smashing the stigma around male
cancers – with honest emotions, humour and unforgettable visuals. This latest Big
Ballsy Challenge is part of a wider 500km running campaign, aiming to raise
£240,000 – that’s £100 for every man diagnosed with testicular cancer each year in
the UK.
Despite the testicle suit catching on thorns, triggering cows and confusing dogs
and sheep along the route, it held up, and so did Toby. The final stretch saw him
running alongside friends, colleagues, supporters and even young men from
Tyneside, who saw his costume and asked him what he was doing.
Toby added: “There were moments of sheer exhaustion, but the people we met – the conversations we had, the laughs, the tears, they made every mile worth it. You wouldn’t believe how many people opened up, shared stories, and joined in. Even local lads ran alongside me, shouting their support, and learning my story of how we lost my brother. That’s the power of being bold. That’s how we start life-saving conversations around testicular cancer.”
Along the route, Toby was joined by fellow runner Mike Jones for the first 48 hours and visited by Jack Broadley, Founder of Baggy Trousers UK – a testicular cancer awareness charity and previously a trustee of The Robin Cancer Trust, who came to show his support.
As Toby crossed the finish line he was greeted by his parents, who supported him
throughout the challenge.
So far, Toby has raised £16,810 – with donations still pouring in from his Hadrian’s
Wall challenge. Supporters from across the UK have been inspired to give, many
after seeing him pounding the pavement in his now-iconic testicle suit. Messages of
support include:
“Just saw you running down the Fish Quay and looked up your amazing cause. Thanks for all you’re doing – keep on running!” – Lydia
“Good luck, Toby. In memory of my son Dan Logan, who died from choriocarcinoma aged 22.” – Anne Logan Huxtable
“Just saw Big Balls running down the Newcastle coast on the Fish Quay and had to scan and sponsor! Great work, good luck – a really good cause.” – Anonymous
If you'd like to support his challenge and make a donation please visit: Toby Freeman is fundraising for The Robin Cancer Trust | Give as you Live Donate