Story
I am running my 3rd London Marathon in aid of Brain Tumour UK, which is a charity very close to my heart.
A good friend of mine, Chris Snaith, (with whom I played for the UMIST 1st XI football team) tragically lost a 4 year battle with this terrible disease in late 2007, aged 26. Although Chris was eventually stopped short in the prime of life, pioneering treatments in the USA gave him a chance to live long enough to meet & marry his wife, and father twins (Liam & Lucy) - who, although sadly never got to meet their Dad, survive him today. Without the incredible work undertaken by charities like Brain Tumour UK, Chris would surely not have had this silver lining to his tragic story. The UMIST Football Old Boys Network pledged to raise as much money as possible in Chris’ memory which is why I have chosen to run again for this great charity.
Brain Tumour UK is dedicated to improving life for adults and children touched by brain tumours, and to establishing the causes of and finding a cure for the disease. It funds a programme of research, support, education and awareness so it really is a very fitting cause. Also, I’m sure Chris would have found it very amusing to see the amount of pain I’ll be putting myself through to do this…again!
The support I received over the past 2 years has been fantastic and I have raised over £10,000. I'm aiming to raise another £5000 this year just as the Old Boys are aiming to beat the £15,000 total they raised in 2009. I'm sure you can imagine what a massive difference this amount of money will make to the charity and how much our fundraising efforts mean to Chris' family so any help you can give will obviously be greatly appreciated!
It would also be great if you could come and support me on the day (Sunday 25th April) although I can’t guarantee what state I’ll be in, especially the closer it gets to mile 26!
Many thanks for your support,
James