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Dear all,   As many of you know, in early 2011 I did a 200mi bike ride in Ireland to benefit brain cancer research – a cause very close to my heart. And, as many of you know, it was hard, painful, rainy…. and so fulfilling. So, I decided to step it up for 2012 and run the Virgin London Marathon to benefit Brain Tumour UK. For those unfamiliar with the disease: brain cancer kills more people under the age of 40 than any other cancer; only 12% of males and 15% of females with brain cancer will survive for over 5y (this compares with 50% for all cancers). In fact, 25% of all other cancers end up spreading to the brain.  Worse still, the problem is deteriorating: incidence increases by 4% each year…. And to make matters even worse, the disease is incredibly difficult to treat, as there are over 120 different types of brain cancer. However, the main issue is that this cause is severely underfunded. This is why you should care. And why do I care? I care because I have lost a parent to this disease, and I have lived through the reality of what this cancer does to the patient and to his/her close ones. Even though I was eight years old when I woke up to pouring rain and life-changing news, I remember every moment of the 9-odd months that comprised my Father’s disease, and I remember - and I know – what it did to his and to our lives… then and now. And why am I doing this? Because I believe that I can play a part in a journey I deeply believe in – a time when no one has to go through what my Father and my family went through. I know, and have known, enough people with this disease to understand its potency and to not be frightened by some 42-odd kilometres. Thank you for your generosity and your support,   Irena       *facts and figures from braintumourresearch.org

Irena's Marathon

Irena's Marathon

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