A Royal Navy engineer from Chichester is taking on the Tough Mudder challenge after losing his father to cancer and receiving a diagnosis of his own less than six months later.

Marcus Maiden, who received a Joint Commanders Commendation in 2024 for his actions at sea, lost his father Duncan to throat cancer in December 2025. After discovering a lump the following May, Marcus himself was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

He said: “When I got my diagnosis, I sort of went into disbelief. It was a shock reaction.

“I just went into a haze of: ‘I can’t believe it. I’ve just lost dad to this. And how badly is it going to affect me? Am I going down the same road? Am I going to end up where dad ended up?’”

Marcus Maiden pictured in his naval uniform. Photo: Marcus Maiden.

placeholder image — Marcus Maiden pictured in his naval uniform. Photo: Marcus Maiden.

Duncan, who worked as an engineer before becoming estate manager at the Cass Sculpture Foundation, now the Goodwood Art Foundation, died aged 61.

Remembering him, Marcus expressed: “Dad was a great outdoorsman. He was energetic and lovely.

“One of the reasons I joined the Navy as an engineer was because, growing up, Dad had this massive influence. He used to be an engineer when he was younger, and would always let us take things to bits and work out if we could put them back together.

“That inspired me to think: ‘Right, I want to make a difference. That’s why I’m joining the Navy.’”

Marcus (left) with dad Duncan (middle) and brother Harry (right). Photo: Marcus Maiden.

Following the loss of an influential figure in his life and then facing his own illness, Marcus says he is determined to focus on what lies ahead.

He explained: “Dad was kind of reluctant. He was late 50s, so 61 when he passed, and he was very much in the mindset of: ‘I’ve had a good run, I’ve got five kids and I’ve done my bit.’ Whereas for me, it was originally a shock, but I just wanted to drive through it.”

Marcus is now awaiting the results of further tests to determine whether he will need chemotherapy. In the meantime, he and his brother Harry are preparing to take on the Tough Mudder challenge in September to raise money for the charities that have supported their family.

He says the aid of Macmillan Cancer Support nurses and volunteers, Rowans Hospice’s end-of-life care team, and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) have made a significant difference during an incredibly difficult period.

Marcus (middle) with dad Duncan (left) and brother Harry (right). Photo: Marcus Maiden.

Despite the circumstances, Marcus says the challenge is also something to look forward to: “I’ve always loved being physically active, and the Tough Mudder is something I’ve always wanted to do.

“It’s sort of a reflection of the Navy side of me, where I like to get down in the mud - you’re doing an obstacle course, you’re running, and there’s that camaraderie of me and Harry just tackling this big challenge together.

“At the end of it, hopefully if all goes well, we’ll finish the assault course with big smiles on our faces, absolutely covered in mud.”

Marcus also hopes that sharing his experience will encourage others to seek medical advice if they notice anything unusual.

Marcus during treatment. Photo: Marcus Maiden.

He expressed: “I want to raise awareness of testicular cancer and the fact that it doesn’t have to be embarrassing. A lot of cancers people get - you know throat and stuff like that - they’re quite happy to talk about. But anything intimate, people tend to feel embarrassed to talk about.

“If I could send one message, it’s that I want people to check themselves. And if they do find anything, don’t be embarrassed to go straight to the doctor.”

For information on donating, visit: https://givestar.io/gs/for-dad-and-all-those-who-battle-cancer.