Cancer is a horrible disease that can strike us at anytime. In the past year, I have lost first my father-in-law and then my mother to cancer. Both were however fortunate to live into their seventies and have long and fruitful lives. I cannot imagine how I would feel, however, if one of my children was diagnosed with a brain tumour. I have worked for the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre since 2002 with the intention of improving the outcome for children diagnosed with this devastating disease. I run a fantastic group who are all equally as passionate about this cause.

This is the third time that I will have run the Robin Hood Half Marathon for the CBTRC. The last twice were pre-children and my hips are not what they once were. One of my PhD students (Sophie Roper) will be running it with me and we have been supporting each other through the pain of training. It will be fantastic to be part of the UON500 and we really appreciate everyone’s efforts towards this important cause.