On 21st June 2024 my wonderful dad passed away just two months after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour (an aggressive form of incurable brain cancer). My dad was always a strong, fit and healthy man so to see him decline dramatically week by week in the two months leading up to his passing was shocking and devastating to see. He was only 62 when he died.

Data from the National Cancer Research Institute shows that brain tumour research still represents just 1% of the national spend on cancer. I would like to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity so that one day there is a cure and people suffering from this terrible illness don’t necessarily have to face a death sentence. All cancer diagnoses are awful but watching my dad suffer with from one in the brain was especially horrific as it can affect a person’s mobility, personality, cognition, vision, memory, emotions and behaviour all at once as well as causing pain. It makes families feel that their loved ones are slowly being ripped away from them week by week in many ways.

Here is a little bit of information about the charity I will be raising money for:

‘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.’

To raise money I will be competing in the Endurancelife Classic Quarter (Relay Pair) on the 24th May 2025. This is a 44 mile race which starts at the Lizard Point in Cornwall and finished at Lands End. I will be running this with my running friend, Lucy Longbottom, who I got to know whilst my dad was poorly. We will each be running 22 miles to complete the race as a team of two.

Running was a big part of mine and my dad’s life together. In his younger days he represented Cornwall over various cross country, track and road events. He later qualified as a middle distance coach helping young athletes achieve their goals. I will always be grateful for him driving me all over the country for running events and helping me achieve my dream of being able to represent Great Britain. I know everyone knows me as a runner, but for this race I will be running much further than my usual running distance so it will be a good challenge for me and one I shall never forget raising money in memory of my dad.

Please see this link about the event - Endurance Life Classic Quarter