In April 2021 my husband, Pete, was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma, which is an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer. He was 45 years old and our children were aged nine and seven. Pete endured two major operations and several rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. None of this treatment was easy and some of it made him very unwell, but he faced it all with amazing courage and determination.  Sadly, and despite excellent care from the QE hospital in Birmingham, he exhausted all treatment options this spring and passed away on 8th July 2022.

It was heartbreaking to watch the man I love - the father of my beautiful children - become more and more incapacitated and ill as a result of his tumour. The sense of helplessness is hard to describe. As I couldn't help him, I am pinning my hopes on medical research and developments that might help others diagnosed with this cruel disease in the future. 

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, they are set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. They are also a fantastic source of information and practical help for people whose lives have been affected by brain tumours. 

I want to help them in their efforts to improve outcomes for people with all types of brain tumours. That is why I am dusting off my trainers and taking part in the London Marathon. Please sponsor me if you can.