My Dad, Keith Jackson, sadly passed away in 2020 due to a Glioblastoma Multiforme, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. He passed away within 3 months of diagnosis and it was a devastating time for my family. He was such a huge character, known and loved by so many people and the inspiration behind many of my endeavours so far. 

He always had an aspiration to donate his body to science, unfortunately due to the cancer this wasn't possible. So instead, I want to honour his wish by raising enough money to fund the cost of running of the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence in Plymouth for one day, the total of which is £2,740. We will also get to place a tile on their Wall of Hope, engraved with his name, on the day of our choosing, which will hold such a special meaning too my family. 

After an incredible response to my efforts and managing to reach my target with 5 weeks still to go to the event I have raised it to £5480, the cost of running the Research Centre of Excellence for two days! With the hope of just being able to raise as much money as I can in the time left to help all those effected by brain cancer. 

It was only after this happened to our family that I became aware of how little is known about brain tumours and brain cancer. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet it receives the least amount of Government funding, when compared to other cancers. 

Alongside their cutting edge research, the  Brain Tumour Charity are also campaigning for the government to increase funding for brain cancer. You can read their manifesto and find out more about their work on their website: 

https://www.braintumourresearch.org/about 

My Dad never did anything by halves and believed anything could be achieved if you truly set your mind to it. So, with this attitude in tow I will be completing the Atlantic Coastal Challenge on the 7th, 8th and 9th October 2022. 

The event consists of running 3 marathons on consecutive days along the South West coastal path: 

• Day one (42.2Km) Nr Padstow to Perranporth
• Day two (42.2Km) Perranporth to St Ives Bay 
• Day three (42.2Km) Lelant to Lands End 

I am absolutely in no way a runner, in fact I think it is fair to say I hate running. But I have my heart set on finishing this challenge and a great team supporting me to get me trained up and ready in the next 14 weeks and I am in no doubt that I can do it!

My Uncle, Paul Jackson and Brother, Luke Jackson will also be supporting the fundraising effort by walking the first day's distance (a huge challenge in itself as the terrain is unforgiving!) which will be an amazing way to kick off the event! 

If you can afford to give a little please do, and if you can afford to give a lot - absolutely do! It would mean the world to me and my family to reach this target to acheive my Dad's wish whilst supporting the Brain Tumour Research charity who are working hard to find a cure for this devastating disease.