“I thought I was invincible” father of five reflects on stage 4 cancer diagnosis as he takes on Mourne Wall Challenge raising vital funds for local cancer charity. 

 Rob Humphrey’s never shies away from a challenge, the fitness fanatic is the first to say yes to any new adventure or test of endurance, and his upcoming trekon 15th August will see him take on the notoriously tough Mourne Wall Challenge for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, a charity close to his heart. No stranger to the local cancer charity’s events, Rob knows firsthand the importance of support when you hear those heart stopping words: you have cancer.

In May 2013, the Portstewart native was left in shock after being diagnosed with stage 4 testicular cancer, that had spread to his stomach, chest and lungs. Rob reflects on his diagnosis, he said: “I couldn’t believe it. I had two young sons at the time, and I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea I might not be here to watch them grow up. The consultant was very blunt, I needed treatment or I wouldn’t survive.”

He continued: “I really had to focus on getting throughmy surgery and treatment, putting myself in a bubble, but I knew my family were really worried. My wife Danielle took the boys to visit me in the hospital when I was going through chemotherapy, they were only 3 and 4 years old at the time, and that broke me. I asked her not to bring them back again; I just couldn’t handle it.”

While in hospital, Rob quickly made a bond with two men who were also going through chemotherapy and they became fast friends. He noted: “Martin and Ian were fantastic support to have at that time, going through it together made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Unfortunately, the chemo wasn’t working for Martin, and a few weeks later he died. That’s when reality really set in.

Ian and I still meet every year, and the first thing we talk about is Martin. Trauma bonds people.”

Although Rob was given the all clear in December 2013,he wasn’t declared in remission from his cancer until September 2024. Rob knows the importance of having access to support at any stage on yourcancer journey, he noted: “I always thought I was invincible, but I did not get out unscathed. It was only 11 years after my initial diagnosis that I felt like it was badly affecting my mental health, and I reached out for support and got counselling that totally turned things around.”

He continued: “That it why I am so passionate about raising money for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, the support they offer local people and their families dealing with cancer is so important, and you never know at what stage in the journey you will need it. Although I had amazing family support, and they think they understand, they just don’t. You really need to be with people who understand what you’ve been through.”

Another key part of Rob’s recovery was getting back to fitness and keeping up with his now five sons. Havingmeaningful challenges to train for make staying fit that little bit more motivating. He beamed: “I am just so excited to take part in the Mourne Wall Challenge, I had an amazing time at Cancer Focus NI’s Seven Summitsin 2025, and I met some fantastic people. It’s really special to take part in an event when everyone is there with a common goal. It will be a tough trek, but all for an important cause.”

Rob concluded: “I would encourage any experienced hikers to give the challenge a go; there is nothing like the landscapes in the Mournes, we have some of the most beautiful scenery in the world at our back door. Even if you are a solo trekker, it won’t take long to meet like-minded climbers on the route. I’ll see you there.”

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland provides vital support services to local people and their families dealing with cancer including family support, counselling, support groups, specialist bra and swimwear fitting, nurselineand patient driving services. Just £80 pays for one counselling session for a person going through one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Support people just like Rob and take on the Mourne Wall Challenge. 

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are delighted to bring the Mourne Wall Challenge to experienced trekkers on 15th August 2026. To sign up to the full or half distance, visit https://cancerfocusni.org/mourne-wall-challenge or for more information about the event or fundraising, contact the events team at events@cancerfocusni.org