After running the incredible and world famous 26.2 miles of the London Marathon on Sunday 23 April 2023 my final challenge of 2023 is taking on the 13.1 miles the jewel of the north of England the Great North Run from Newcastle to South Shields.  

After the London Marathon I had raised £6,685 and have set a new target of £7,000 which would be an incredible amount in 10 months and impossible without so many peoples support and generosity.

I lost my friend David (Dave) earlier in 2022 to a Glioblastoma brain tumour at the age of 44 after fighting bravely following his diagnosis in early 2021.  Dave and I were close friends for 30 years since our days at Forrester High School.

I was naïve when Dave broke the news of his brain tumour to me. Dave shared links to information by the Brain Tumour Charity who have developed excellent easy to understand information and diagrams to help those living with a brain tumour and their families and friends who are supporting them.

Unbelievably, at least 88,000 children and adults are estimated to be living with a brain tumour in the UK currently. The Brain Tumour Charity focus on three key areas – research, campaigning and support and rely 100% on voluntary donations to achieve their goals.

Hopefully our donations will help the Brain Tumour Charity achieve these goals of halving the harm and doubling survival for those diagnosed with a brain tumour and help end the pain of losing a loved one to this devastating disease.

Dave’s family would also like to thank everyone for their generosity in fundraising in his memory.

I am under no illusion this is going to be challenging with the training required over the winter, hopefully the weather is kind to me. Bring on the London Marathon 2023! By running for The Brain Tumour Charity, I'm playing a huge part in The Charity's movement to defeat brain tumours sooner - by moving faster and further to find a cure. #ACureCantWait

I am also now going to be taking part in the Great North Run on 10 September 2023 for the Brain Tumour Charity, only the 13.1 miles on that day but another great event and hope to keep the fundraising going over the summer.