In 2008 my Sister Karen met the love of her life, they married in 2010 and in 2013 my Brother-In-Law Mark passed away from Stage 4 Brain Cancer (Glioblastoma). 

It was heartbreaking watching what he, my sister, Marks kids and our entire family went through during the 6 months from the time he was diagnosed until he died.  Mark was so full of life, but went from playing golf to being in a wheelchair in less than 8 weeks.  Mark fought a hard battle despite an aggressive treatment of radiation and chemotherapy.  He rallied for several weeks but in the end he was unable to win this fight; however neither he nor my Sister ever gave up that some form of research would help. 

My sister was devastated as she had hope up until the very end that he would survive.  Karen never really recovered from Mark's death and passed away in 2016; while she did not die from a Brain Tumour her life was forever altered by one.  

When thinking about fundraising, I decided on the Brain Tumour  UK Research Fund as my charity. While I could raise money for Sepsis Awareness in memory of my sister, Karen was all about Mark and I believe she would want me to raise money for Brain Tumour research.  Therefore, I will run in memory of Mark, but I also run in memory of my sister Karen who was so appreciative of all the medical care, services and help she received in caring for Mark. 

You never really think about a cause of death until you experience it and then all of a sudden you learn that so many others you know died in the same way.

My sister was all about “signs” and I know she played a part in this decision. Karen’s favorite color was pink, pink is NOT my favorite color; coincidentally the Brain Tumour UK Research fund has chosen Pink as the color of the shirts/singlets. I think this was a sign from Karen that she wants me to do this.  I begrudgingly wore pink at Karen and Mark’s wedding in 2010, I am honored to wear pink on April 28^th, 2019.

I am excited and daunted by this task, but Karen and Mark were such amazing people and Marks cancer was devasting to everyone, so this is a cause I can “easily” run 26.2 miles for.

Cancer stinks - not matter what type and any and all research helps, so I would greatly appreciate your help in raising money for this cause. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.