My story is very simple. I miss my Mum. I miss my Grandma. I would do almost anything to have them back, so I am taking on this challenge in the hope that one day another family does not need to go through the heartbreak of losing someone they love to this horrible disease.

In 2018 my wonderful Mum lost her battle with brain cancer after, quite frankly, an inspiring 20-month battle – which not only involved her enduring brutal treatments and therapies, but also saw her caring for and losing her own mother to the very same disease.

Brain cancer is horrific. It takes away so much of what makes you, “you” - your ability to work, to move, to read, to write, your independence, your emotions, your ability to see and speak and so much more. It is indiscriminate and right now for so many of its forms it is still a death sentence.

Did you know that brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of young people under 40? Did you also know whilst 5-year life expectancy rates for most other cancers have significantly improved, for brain tumours they still remain depressingly low? In fact, with the cancer Mum had there is only a 25% chance of surviving even 12 months after a diagnosis. 25% for twelve months. This needs to change.

I know that the past year has presented unprecedented challenges for so many people, but charities more than ever need our support. As many of you know I don’t mind running, but 26.2 miles is far beyond anything I’ve attempted before. I’ve wanted to try a marathon for a long time and I’m so thankful that my opportunity to do so not only comes with a commitment to support a really important charity, but allows me to remember my lovely Mum every step (or possibly hobble) along the way.

It would mean the absolute world if you could spare anything you can give to keep me motivated through training runs, attempts at avoiding more injuries and ultimately the 26.2 miles of concrete so we can try to halt this devastating disease.

A cure can’t wait. 

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we're moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour. We're set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And we're doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can't wait.