I have been running for almost 5 years but I haven't run a marathon yet. I admit I've been afraid to, as I love running and several people have said they were put off running after they ran one!

I can confidently say I don't think it will put me off running as it is such a massive part of my life now.

I started running to lose weight and to raise money for brain tumour charities in memory of my dad, Ricky. 

It has been 10 years since he passed away from a brain tumour, which is surprising to me as it doesn't feel that long ago. He was diagnosed with type 4 glioblastoma. This is the most aggressive type and it was a terminal diagnosis. 9 weeks after the diagnosis, he passed away.

At the time it was surprising how little there was they could do to help and it was difficult to find much information about it online. We did feel really unsupported and if we'd had known about some of these excellent brain tumour charities it would have helped greatly.

Brain cancer is one of the most underfunded cancers despite being the single biggest killer of those under 40 in the UK! Current treatments (still!) are over 40 years old despite some of the high-profile campaigns in the media over the past 10 years there is still a long way to go.

These charities also help provide support financially, offering grants to help when you're unable to work. There are support drop-ins at cafes across Yorkshire, including Hive cafe in Huddersfield.

Brain Tumours can affect anyone, at any time. They are the single biggest killer of the under 40's in the UK every week approx 15 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in Yorkshire. Research has been underfunded for brain tumours, with current treatments nearly 40 years old. We aim to fund world-class research here in Yorkshire to find treatments and a cure. Whilst we do that we will support people living with and affected by brain tumours, emotionally, practically and financially for as long as they need us.