On Sunday, 26 April, Sid Keyte, 55, from Salisbury, will be lining up on the start line alongside 59,000+ other runners for the TCS London Marathon. But unlike most people taking part in the iconic marathon, Sid isn’t just preparing his race kit as he is running the 26.2-mile course dressed as a phone box.
Inspired by his brother Robin, 54, who lives with myotonic dystrophy, Sid is running in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for the 110,000 adults and children in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions.
This will be the fourth consecutive year that Sid – aka the ‘Running Phone Box’ – is running the London Marathon in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK, a charity that is close to his heart.
Sid said:
“It was a real shock to all of us when we first found out Robin had myotonic dystrophy. When it dawned on me what the condition meant for my brother, I wanted to do something to help increase awareness. To help people understand more about muscle wasting conditions.”
As well as being the fourth consecutive year the Running Phone Box is out in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK, 2026 also marks 100 years since the first iconic cast iron K2 red phone box was installed in London.
Robin was diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy, a rare muscle wasting condition, in 2003 when he was in his early 30s.
Sid explained:
“He was experiencing balance issues, kept falling over and was struggling to hold a coffee cup. Robin’s condition has got a lot worse over the last few years as his muscles have got weaker. But he never complains or feels sorry for himself. He’s the most generous, kind person, always thinking of others.
“Robin lives on the Isle of Wight with his amazingly supportive wife, Jenny, who is his full-time carer, and really focuses on living the best life he can. We were always close growing up, but our bond has got stronger over the years, and while he thinks I’m a bit mad running around as a phone box, he’s happy that I’m doing something to help others who are living with a condition like his.”
The Phone Box Sid runs in is made of wood and cardboard and weighs 15kg.
Sid said:
“I have a love/hate relationship with my outfit. Training is quite challenging, and I have had to learn how to run like a penguin inside my box without the use of my arms. I definitely confuse people and animals when I’m out training! But it’s a great conversation starter, and that is important. The phone box attracts attention, and when people ask me about it, it allows me to tell them about Robin and why I’m fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK. Having these conversations and being able to shine a light on my brother’s story and the charity is just as important to me as raising money.
“I know there probably won’t be a cure that will benefit Robin, but I want to do something to help others like him in the future. Donations help Muscular Dystrophy UK so that they can continue to fund research projects as well as offer support to people living with muscle wasting conditions.
“Robin teaches me, and all of us, to live life to the full and be kind to others. If he can remain so positive despite the daily challenges he faces, then a few hours of pain running as a phone box is a bit of a ‘no-brainer’ for me!”
Support Sid’s fundraising at: www.justgiving.com/page/sid-
Meet the man behind the Running Phone Box:
Find out more about Muscular Dystrophy UK at: musculardystrophyuk.org.
