Ellen and Benjie are running the TCS London Marathon as part of Team #BrainResearchUK 2024. Last year, Ellen ran her first marathon in Paris, raising £7,531 for the same amazing cause. This year, we are taking on London with the hope of raising even more for vital neurological research.

The stats around neurological conditions are sobering: 1 in 6 of us has a neurological condition; every 90 seconds someone is admitted to hospital with a brain injury; 1 in 5 deaths are due to a neurological condition. For many of us, we only become aware of the harsh reality of those numbers when something happens to us, or to a loved one.

In November 2022, our Dad became one of those statistics. He suffered a sudden, severe brain haemorrhage and came very close to dying. Thankfully, following skilled neuro surgery in Hull Royal Infirmary, he was given a fighting chance. After several weeks in intensive care, two months in hospital, then a further eight months in Woodlands Neurological Rehabilitation Centre, he is finally home continuing with outpatient rehab and gradually adjusting to life post-injury.

What happened to our Dad was life-changing in the truest sense of the word. After being part of his journey over the last year, and witnessing first hand the expertise of the medical professionals who have supported him and aided his rehabilitation, we want to give our all to raise funds for BRUK. Their research into neurological conditions, whether it be discovering causes, developing new treatments or improving lives, is life-saving and life-enhancing work.

Brain Research UK's values of unity, humanity, and positivity are ones we admire and that Dad has always lived by. The love and support he received has played a huge role in his recovery, just like it does for everyone affected by brain injuries or neurological conditions.

Brain Research UK is 'Active. Courageous. Resolute, and determined to accelerate the progress of brain research.’ We are determined to do our part by completing the London Marathon. Please sponsor us to help us cross the finish line in support of everyone struggling with a neurological condition and to help Brain Research UK create a world where they can live better, longer lives.

Any donations will be very much appreciated and will definitely help us cross the finish line :)