Hi all

On 6th April 2025, I will, with a group of friends, be running the London Landmarks half marathon for the Brain Trust charity, in honour of a lovely man and friend called John Martin.

John was diagnosed with a brain tumour in December 2021 and very sadly passed away on 20th August 2024.

John's positivity and determination to live life to the full after his devastating diagnosis were truly inspiring. And the way his family pulled together to deal with this horrible disease was simple amazing.

But through John’s experience, we have come to realise how underfunded brain cancer is. Sadly, changes in survival rates for adults with a brain tumour have improved little compared with other cancers in over 40 years.

So, John’s wife and children, my lovely husband, friends and I will be running as ‘Team John’ to raise money for the brain tumour trust, in memory of an amazing man and lovely friend.

As most of you will know, I have had my own journey with cancer over the last two years. And despite his own terrible diagnosis, John was there offering support and inspiring me to just accept the hand I was dealt and never, ever, ask ‘why me.’ He really was a very special man.

Last year, there were times even getting out of bed left me out of breath and exhausted. And so I am incredibly grateful to be well enough to sign up for this run. And so pleased to do this for the Brain Tumour charity, for John, for Juliette and for me.

There is no denying that this is going to be a huge challenge, but I will give it my all.

So please help us, Team John, to raise awareness and money for this incredible cause and to help fight this terrible disease. Any donation amount will be greatly appreciated.

Believe me, I will earn every penny 😝

And a footnote for those of you lovely people who have expressed concern about me doing this challenge, after the events of last year and now i am slightly ‘lung challenged.’ I love you for caring and I assure you that I have started the training early and slowly and my goal is realistic - just to finish and not tie myself to a completion time. I promise I will listen to my body, but I will also push it as much as I can. As whilst my body still has its occasional off days, ( air conditioning and I may never be friends again 😜) I currently have more than enough lung to get me round a half marathon course. And long may that continue ❤️

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The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we're moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour.

We're set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And we're doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can't wait.