A well-known Okehampton-based entertainer has launched a fundraiser for a children’s charity as a thank you for the support it provided his family during his son’s illness.

Entertainingly Different’s Rob Pudner will run the London Marathon next year to raise money for the Sick Children’s Trust, which provided him and his family with accommodation near Great Ormond Street after his son, Tobias, was admitted to the famous children’s hospital.

Rob described the support as a “lifeline”.

“They are an amazing charity,” he said. “Having a home-from-home was so helpful. His grandparents and brother could come and stay. We will be forever grateful to them for providing a little light in the dark which felt like a warm hug at the end of each long day.”

Sadly, Tobias passed away in January 2025 after a four-month hospital stay, but Rob has continued to honour his memory through his performances.

Rob said: “It’s the most pain I have ever felt in my life. The past year I’ve been the “Greatest Showman” because Tobias once described me as the greatest showman. Now this is a bit of a turn. It’s about running.”

A former cross-country runner, Rob has now put his running shoes back on and begun training for the challenge. He is running distances of 11 to 12 miles.

To donate to Rob’s fundraiser visit: https://tinyurl.com/y4845amn.