I suppose who doesn’t love a lockdown challenge..

This August I have decided to run the London half marathon with the aim of raising much needed funds for Brain Tumour Research.

There is a five-year survival for breast cancer and prostate is over 70%, leukaemia over 40% yet for brain tumours it is just 12%. The charity, Brain Tumour Research, are committing to finding a cure for brain tumours, however without the funds, the research can’t be completed.

This charity has became significant in my life when Tara (my brothers fabulous girlfriend) was diagnosed with a stage 4 Brain tumour. She has underwent brain surgery where they removed 90% of the tumour, completed 6 weeks of radiotherapy and is just finishing her 6th round of chemotherapy, and is still smiling. If anyone has kept us all positive throughout all these lockdowns, it’s been Tara.

Running this 22km is only a small task compared to the barriers both Tara and Stephen have overcame in the past 12months. We say 2020 has been tough, but Tara tells us it’s been a year to slow down, be strong, brave and evolve throughout everything.

From now, Tara will have MRIs every 3 to 6 months as this specific grade of tumour (glioblastoma) is so aggressive and unpredictable. These regular MRIs will be part and parcel in Tara and Stephens lives restricting their ability to plan, travel and everything we may take for granted. Sometimes we do take life for granted, but knowing Tara has helped myself and everyone close to her see the good in absolutely anything!

Tara has also started a new Instagram account sharing her tips and tricks helping her get through her cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment. It’s the perfect page for the positivity we all need in our lives right now - @behindtherainbow7

Please feel free to share this post as any share tag, comment or donation will be greatly appreciated, with the overall aim of raising as much money as possible to Brain Tumour Research and also increasing awareness

Thanks in advance for all your support - Let the training commence!