After my first half marathon in 2019 I said to myself when my half’s felt like 10ks I’d do a marathon for Farah. 

Not sure they’ll ever feel like 10ks so I entered the London marathon anyway and here I am running for the fantastic charity that is Children with Cancer for the most amazing little girl- Farah. 

I went to school with Farah’s mum Claire, we got married within years of each other, had our first child within months of each other but when Farah was 20 months old their lives were turned upside down

Farah was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the back of her brain. Farah went from being a little whirlwind, never sitting still to becoming increasingly unsteady on her feet, to a stage where she no longer felt confident to walk. It was thought that this was down to an ear infection affecting her balance, followed by a swell on the brain/infection, which would clear with little or no treatment. A routine CT scan to confirm this diagnosis showed a large tumour on the back of the brain, a massive surprise to the consultant and to Farah’s family. 

Thankfully an operation was possible resulting in the removal of the entire tumour.  Farah went on to receive 12 months of gruelling chemotherapy, every two weeks as a preventative measure.

Fast forward 6 years and Farah has thankfully remained cancer free, however this has not been without huge challenges!  Following surgery, Farah was left with Posterior Fossa Syndrome (PFS) which meant she was unable to speak, move unaided, balance or walk.  

Luckily her speech returned quickly, but her mobility has been an on-going challenge for her.  She is a lovely, happy, brave little girl who takes everything in her stride despite everything she has faced in her young life.  

So Farah, this is for you! You and your family who have been through so much and for a charity who supports others who find themselves in a similar situation. 

London here we come xx