Hello! 

In April 2023, I will be running the Brighton and London marathons firstly in the name of charity and secondly because it has been a couple of years since set myself a challenge like this. 

The charity that I have chosen to support is Brain Research UK. Many of you that know me will need little explanation of my desire to support this fantastic charity, but here goes...

Back in 2016 at the age of 21, my sister Hatty was diagnosed with a pituitary brain tumour in her second year at university. Over the year that followed year she underwent two surgeries to reduce the size of the tumour, which were not as successful as hoped. She then had went through an intensive 5 week course of radiotherapy which proved effective enough to allow Hatty to go back to Newcastle to finish uni.

Fast-forward 7 challenging years, some residual tumour remains which, whilst benign, continues to be be life altering. She has suffered with seizures and bouts of chronic pain which the specialists are continuing to try to get under control. We are all in awe of how well she copes, but in reality I think we will never understand the challenges that she has to deal with on a daily basis.

Brain Research UK, as its name suggests, is a charity that supports research into the causes, treatment, prevention and cure of neurological conditions. Despite decades of progress and improving treatment of many types of cancer, little progress has been made in brain tumours. Brain Research UK are funding studies to improve the outlook for people with brain tumours by advancing understanding of the mechanisms underlying tumour development, and helping develop better ways to diagnose and treat these tumours.

So there you have it!

It is fair to say that I'm not really a runner, and prefer to be pedalling rather than pounding the pavements, but I've kept myself motivated largely by the occasional purchase of new kit.

I have set my self ambitious targets both on fundraising and finish times for the marathons, so I really apreciate your support.

Thank you!

Matt