Each year my Mum used to watch the London Marathon on TV at her home in France and each year I would get the same message pop up on my phone from 'Mumma' :  'You could do that Jen!!'  I would always reply 'Yes Mum one day...' I always hoped that one day I would have the courage to take the leap but I never imagined that when I did my biggest cheerleader would no longer be around to see me complete it. 

We lost my wonderful Mum Moira on 3rd March 2022 after a 13 month battle (including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy) with a glioblastoma brain tumour. To say that it was a difficult year would be a huge understatement. This was made even more difficult with the Covid pandemic which made travel between France and the UK almost impossible. In spite of everything Mum remained strong and a sense of humour throughout and I cherish the time we were able to spend together with the people she loved the most in the world; Dad, Georgie, Terry and my daughter Ari who was 7 month old at the time of Mum's diagnosis. Mum was a force until the end and I will carry her strength with me throughout the Marathon.

I am running the London Marathon 2024 for  Mum. To represent the courage she showed throughout her life and for my daughters Arabella and Margaux so they will know that difficult things can be accomplished because of love and despite heartbreak. 

On the day I plan to be running alongside my wonderful friend Gemma Grout-Smith who very sadly also lost her cousin Jamie in September 2022 to a rare neurological disease. Jamie and his beautiful family are also very much in my thoughts throughout this. (https://www.justgiving.com/page/gemma-shearsmith-1704538139779) 

Also running the London Marathon 2024 is my long time gangsta partner in crime cuz Mike Young who will also be running for Mum with only a 3 months notice prior to race day! 

Brain Tumour Research Charity's vision is to find a cure for all types of brain tumours. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. I am running in a team of 50 for Brain Tumour Research. Each person has such a heart wrenching story of why they are running and the impact this disease has had. The money you donate will go towards much needed research to help develop better and kinder treatments, better outcomes and ultimately more survivors. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for your donation.