This spring, I am running the Rome Marathon in memory of Baroness Margaret McDonagh.

An extraordinary woman, she was the youngest and the first ever female General Secretary of the Labour Party. She led the Labour party to two full terms of a Labour Government, the only time that this has ever happened in Labours history.

To me, Margaret was a mentor who inspired my journey into politics and taught me the grit needed in standing as a candidate.

In November 2021, after collapsing at a party, Margaret was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumour. Life expectancy was nine months and the treatment had not changed for 30 years. Thus began Margaret’s final campaign, to fight her own tumour and to help the 3,200 people diagnosed with this condition each year.

Margaret passed away on 24th June 2023, leaving it to us to take on her battle. Her mission is now our mission. We must find a cure for glioblastoma.

That is why I am running the marathon and fundraising for Margaret’s oncologist, Dr Paul Mulholland, who is Europe’s leading expert on brain tumours. If he gets the funding and support that he needs, he thinks that we can find a cure within the next 10 years.

Every penny raised in Margaret's memory will be spent in his department on the research and drug trials that will help other patients in the future.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and for supporting UCLH Charity - Fund 1051.

Glioblastoma Research Group | UCL Cancer Institute - UCL – University College London

Usaama