Some of you will already know my story, but for all of you who don't here goes ... I will take you to the very start of the journey that has led me to run the London Marathon on behalf of brainstrust - a small charity that helps people with a brain tumour and their loved ones to feel less alone, less afraid and more in control following a brain tumour diagnosis. 

Rescue 1, Pegleg and Captain Sailor Grandad are the names myself and my children use for my Dad and their Grandad. In March 2018 my 57 year old Dad experienced severe headaches and some loss of vision in the left eye. After accompanying him to the GP alongside my mother, 2 sisters and 1 brother, we were all told the devastating news that he had a lesion on his brain. We all knew how dangerous these lesions can be and so we kept our thoughts positive, which is exactly what my Dad did too.                                           

After numerous MRI and CT scans we were told Dad would need surgery and as a family we set about to find one of the best surgeons within the field to operate on Dad. In the end, due to the nature of the lesion, it could not be completely removed but 90% was taken and sent for testing. Unfortunately it came back as a Grade 4 Glioblastoma, the worst and most aggressive form of brain tumour. We were told he only had a year to 18 months, even with chemo and radiotherapy.

We were all shell shocked and devastated. My amazing and strong Dad at the age of 57 had this horrible disease, but that did not stop us trying to fight it. Dad underwent Chemo alongside aggressive Radiotherapy and as a family we fundraised for Dad to have immunotherapy treatment; however, with all the very kind donations Dad still would miss out on the long waiting list for immunotherapy.

Dad had a good summer and as a family we made sure to be with him, making memories and taking as many photos as possible. By the end of 2018 Dad, now aged just 58, started his last dose of chemo, however this caused an embolism on both lungs. He fought this very well and he had a short stay in hospital, but unfortunately the medication Dad was put on to alleviate the embolism then caused a huge bleed on his brain which would leave us at his beside wondering if this was his time to leave us.

This was even more devastating as my sister was about to get married and we were all left wondering if he would be able to walk her down the aisle. A week of worrying later and just 2 days before the wedding, we watched in awe as Dad started walking around, we just couldn't believe how strong he was. Sadly, in May 2019 Dad deteriorated rapidly; the tumour was growing back and forcing him to rest unwillingly. Not living close to my parents, I decided to take leave from my work, children and husband and assist my mother and siblings with caring for my Dad full time. This gave our family precious moments to be with our Dad and with the amazing help of the local hospice we kept Dad at home until his time came. All 4 of his loving children and wife by his side when he took his last breath at the age of just 58 on 5th June 2019. Nothing compares to the pain we felt as a family when Dad died; I miss him every day and think of him always. He was so brave, strong and determined throughout everything he faced. 

A few weeks before he died I asked Dad what he thought of my running the Marathon, having never been a runner he replied saying he thought it sounded great. Dad was always positive, but I knew what a huge personal challenge this would be for me having never even run around the block! So when I contacted brainstrust asking for a place, I couldn't believe it when I was awarded the only space available. The charity has been an amazing support network for our family, and every time I am out running I think of him and how raising funds for this charity will allow other families to receive the amazing support that we did. You never think this will happen to you or your family, but it does, it happened to us and its happening to so many people everyday, cancer doesn't care. And so I ask, if you would please consider supporting me as I take on this huge challenge, and join me in helping this amazing charity by donating today. Anything will make a difference.

Thank you so much for reading and all the amazingly kind support we have received as a family. 

Harriet x