What started as a simple mistake has turned into a powerful fundraising effort for Gibraltar-based mental health charity GibSams, as local resident Paul Robinson prepares to take on the Leeds Marathon this May.

A statement from GibSams follows below:

Paul only began running around 18 months ago. Inspired by his son completing a half-marathon, he decided to sign up for one himself. There was just one problem. He accidentally entered the full marathon.

“I showed my son my entry, and he said, ‘You’ve signed up for a marathon.’ I said, ‘No, no, a half-marathon.’ He said, ‘No… a full marathon!’”

At first, Paul considered changing his entry. But a simple offer changed everything.

“My son said that if I kept the marathon entry, he would run it with me and be my pacesetter. That was it. I was committed.”

The Leeds Marathon will now mark a shared milestone, as both father and son take on their first full marathon together. Now in his 70s, Paul is preparing for the full 26.2 miles. His training has taken him across Gibraltar and into Spain, often running alone and balancing the physical demands with the mental challenge of going the distance.

“This is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Keeping going when your legs want to stop… that’s the real test.”

Paul is not running for a personal best. He is running to raise £10,000 for GibSams, supporting its work with individuals in distress and those affected by suicide.

To put that into context, the average amount raised for major UK marathons is between £2,000 and £3,000. In 2025, the average London Marathon donation stood at £2,809. Paul’s target is more than three times that figure.

“When someone dies by suicide, the impact goes far beyond one life. Families and friends are left trying to cope with something devastating. I wanted to aim high so GibSams can support those people.”

GibSams provides a free, confidential listening service in Gibraltar through its helpline, chat and WhatsApp services, as well as wider support initiatives in the community.

Brenda Cuby, CEO of GibSams, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Paul for taking on this challenge in support of GibSams. What makes this story so powerful is its honesty. It reminds us that anyone can step forward and make a difference. Every donation helps us continue to provide a listening service to those who need it most.”

Despite the scale of the challenge, Paul remains grounded about what lies ahead.

“I’m not starting with the elite runners… I’m starting way back. And you know what, that’s OK. At my age, just getting to the finish line is enough.”

And when he does reach that final stretch? “All I’ll be thinking is: where’s the finishing line?”

GibSams is encouraging the community to support Paul’s efforts and help him reach his £10,000 target.