16 years ago my Dad, Tony Bovill, died from an aggressive brain tumour. He was 50. 

I’ve never really spoken much about it (men are crap at talking about their feelings aren’t they?) or done any specific charity fundraising in his memory, but if lockdown has taught me anything, it’s that life is short, so I wanted to do my bit for people dealing with this awful disease. 

Until this year I’ve never been able to run for long without giving up. Lockdown boredom has given me the incentive to keep it up, and I’ve become a complete running convert. So on a whim I’ve decided to run the Great Birmingham Run half marathon, with its notoriously awful hills! 

I’ve never done this before, it’s a huge challenge and I need your support to spur me on to finish it! 

I’m raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity, who do some brilliant work. Brain tumours are cancer. They are the biggest killer of adults under 40 and have some of the worst cancer survival rates of all, yet they receive a tiny proportion of funding into cancer research. This charity is the biggest single funder of research into tumours, and are campaigning constantly for more. 

More funding will prevent more Dads, Moms, brothers and sisters from dying far too young. 

I would be eternally grateful for any donation you can spare. 

Thanks folks. 

James.