In August 2017, my whole world turned upside down when my youngest brother, Joshua, was diagnosed with a brain tumour called diffuse midline glioma, a subtype of glioblastoma multiforme at the age of 15. The prognosis of this mutation is a 0% survival rate, with an average survival of 9 - 12 months, with 10% making it past 2 years.

Joshua was, and will always be, exceptional as he did far better than most with his diagnosis. Sadly, Josh passed away in February 2021. He is a testament to determination, resolve and willpower. I cannot express how inspired I continue to be by this fantastic individual who I am so privileged to call my brother. It still breaks me and my family that we lost him at such a young age.

Joshua wanted to become a human rights lawyer, but this dream was cruelly taken away because treatment options for DMG are non-existent; at diagnosis palliative care is only available, especially in the U.K. The initial treatment plan that Josh was on, was the same used for Neil Armstrong's daughter Karen, who passed away in 1962 from the same diagnosis. The options have not advanced due to lack of funding and therefore research and survival of this remains at 0% 62 years later. Hence, the reason I am running this marathon; to raise vital funds and awareness so that one day families will not have to endure what Joshua had to for 3 and a half years.

Thank you for your support.