Road to London: Stu’s story

3rd April 2026/
Road to London_ Stu's story
  • Stu Collyer will be running the London Marathon on Sunday 26 April in memory of his best friend Scott Corderoy
  • He has been fundraising for St Luke’s, after Scott was cared for by the St Luke’s at home team

In just a few short weeks the London Marathon will once again come round, when thousands of runners take to the streets of our capital city, pushing themselves and their mental ability.

This year we have a number of runners lacing up for St Luke’s, after we were luckily given a select number of charity spots for the race, combined with those lucky enough to gain a place in the sought after ballot.

This is Stu’s story

For Stu Collyer, running has never come naturally – certainly not the kind of miles that lead to the London Marathon, and definitely not the kind of training carried out on the cramped flight deck of a Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship. But when he thinks about his best friend Scott Corderoy, the man who grew up with him in Torquay, who taught him how to be a better dad, and who faced every moment of his illness with courage and love for his family, the challenge suddenly feels small.

Scott wasn’t just a talented goalkeeper or a pillar of local football; he was a devoted husband and father whose world revolved around his children. In the final weeks of his life, St Luke’s gave him comfort, dignity and precious time – even bringing back his smile when it seemed impossible. Inspired by that compassion, and by the memory of his mate who always gave everything for the people he loved, Stu is taking on the biggest physical test of his life: running the London Marathon in Scott’s honour.

Scott and Stu

A friendship like no other – Stu and Scott

Growing up together

Stu, from Manadon is a Logistics Officer in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, meaning the majority of his time is spent on RFA Tidespring. He is married to Emma and has five children along with two dogs and a cat. Stu and Scott’s story began when they were just boys. “I was about 12 when I met Scott,” Stu recalls. “I was best friends with his cousin Brad and spent a lot of time with the family.” Before long, Scott’s dad invited Stu to join Upton Athletic Under-13s – Scott in goal, and Stu playing the role of the ‘old‑fashioned enforcer’.

Scott and his family

Scott, Jodie and their children Kya, Tallulah, Florence, Nala and Beau

Their sporting paths later split – Scott into football, Stu into rugby – but the friendship never did. Scott went on to play for an impressive list of clubs, including Wycombe Wanderers, Bristol City, Perth Glory and Torquay United. But while he was known locally for his football talent, Stu says Scott’s greatest achievements were found off the pitch.

“Scott’s biggest moments in life were with his family. He was an incredible dad and husband. He taught me so much about being a better man.” Scott leaves behind his wife Jodie and their children Kya, Tallulah, Florence, Nala and Beau – the centre of his world.

Scott and Stu

Scott and Stu 

Scott was a big supporter of local football in Plymouth and the surrounding area, managing his daughter’s team at Saltash, coaching youngsters, and regularly working alongside Plymouth Boot Bank to provide local players with top quality equipment and coaching.

“One of my favourite memories with Scott was when he was back at Torquay United playing in the squad that made the Great Escape and avoided relegation back in the 15/16 season. I actually became Scott’s club sponsor that year, he had to present me with his match shirt at the end of the season which myself and Charlie gratefully received, I still have it now and it’s a really prized possession.

“When Torquay held a minute’s applause for Scott after his passing, I stood with his family in the family stand and held his shirt up, it made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as thousands gave their applause as a mark of respect to such a great man.”

Scott at Torquay United

Scott during his time at Torquay United Youth team

A phone call no one is ever ready for

In November 2024, Stu was deployed aboard RFA TIDESURGE when he received the call from Jodie telling him Scott was unwell and that he might want to come home to say goodbye.

“That’s the phone call nobody ever wants to receive – especially when you’re miles away on a tanker,” he says.

He raced back to Derriford Hospital, unprepared for the pain his friend was in. “I’d seen him through everything – chemo, the stem cell transplant, remission – but that night will never leave me.” After saying goodbye, Stu had to return to his ship. When his deployment ended a week later, Stu travelled directly to St Luke’s. What he found there took him completely by surprise.

“St Luke’s had already changed his world”

“When I walked into his room, I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Stu says. “Scott was sat up in bed, chatting, smiling. He looked better than he had in a long time. He was exhausted and in pain, but he had this calmness, this happiness shining out of him. St Luke’s had already changed his world – in just a week.”

Stu spent the following weeks by Scott’s side – watching films, chatting about football, drinking Baileys, or simply keeping him company as he slept.

Scott and Stu

Stu and Scott

A final wish to go home

“Scott’s one big wish was to go home, and St Luke’s made that happen. The love and care they provided gave him back strength, courage and dignity,” Stu says. “I gave him one final haircut in the shower there, joking that he was a better bald man than me.”

“Walking him through the front door of his home for the last time is a moment Stu will never forget. “He broke down in tears – tears of happiness, of love and also some fear as he knew what it meant to be home, but the overwhelming feeling of love and happiness at making it home was unbelievable.

“In the coming days I had a message from him, he was in bed downstairs, struggling to get out, but he said he could hear his girls laughing and messing around in the kitchen, and that was all he wanted, and exactly why he wanted to make it home.

“That was it,” Stu says. “That’s why I want to run for St Luke’s, because of the unbelievable care they provided, the way they brought my best mate back from the brink and gave him back all that he ever wanted, and I’ll forever be grateful for that, that my mate was able to leave on his terms, with love all around him.”

Stu running

Stu and three of his children

The marathon that wasn’t supposed to happen

So why a marathon? Stu describes how Scott had told him while receiving care that he wanted to get better and run the Plymouth Half Marathon to raise some funds to say thank you for everything St Luke’s had done for him.

“Neither Scott or I are runners, he’s a footballer, I’m a rugby player, we’re both big blokes, and both struggle to run further than the other end of the pitch! We had a little laugh about it and decided we would walk the Half Marathon and run bits if we could.”

Afte Scott’s death, Stu decided to go bigger, much bigger.

“Originally I was just going to do what our plan was, run the Plymouth Half, but then I decided why not, Scott had battled every rollercoaster out there, so I should take on something big in his memory, and that’s where the London Marathon idea came from.”

Deployed at sea from October to February, most of Stu’s early training took place on a treadmill, or in circles around the tiny flight deck of RFA TIDESPRING. After returning home, a calf strain briefly derailed him – but with support from City College Plymouth’s Sports Therapy team and rehab at home, he’s now back on track.

“I’m behind where I should be,” he admits, “but I’m not quitting. Not when I’m running for Scott.”

And as for doing the Plymouth Half as well?

“Definitely not!” Stu jokes. “Once the London Marathon is done, my running trainers are disappearing!”

Inspired to run for St Luke’s?

If you have been inspired by Stu to don your trainers in aid of St Luke’s, then why not run right here in Plymouth and take on the Half Marathon at Plymouth Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival on Sunday 17 May. We will provide you with a St Luke’s running vest and will be there to cheer you on throughout.

To find out more about running for St Luke’s click here. 

Stu’s fundraising page Run for St Luke’s

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