Story
As a lot of you will already know, I am undertaking running my first ever marathon on December 1, 2019. I never planned on doing any marathon when I started jogging around my neighbourhood block 10 years ago, but after 4 years, the appeal of doing the London one and all that goes with it, has drawn me in. Of course for me, if I am to do one, I wanted it to be the one in the city I was born, but after 5 ballot attempts(& probably another for 2020!) & not getting pulled out of the hat, I have decided that it can't wait any longer if I am to get on it & do one!!
I have told whoever will listen over the years, that when it comes to running & courses, my two hates are hills & heat. They just don't agree with me!! So with that in mind, when I saw a fellow(unknown) runner walking around with a "Valencia Marathon" shirt, I asked him what it was like (as wifey Ursula's father, was born & raised there) . He told me it was very flat, takes place in December so not really hot, & thoroughly recommended it to me!!
So here I am, on the training trail putting in the miles so I can get through the 26.2 marathon miles. Many of my running club buddies have been giving me advice & hints since taking the plunge & starting the 16 week training plan I chose to follow. This has been very welcome & taken on board.
Relatives, friends, acquaintances have been asking if I have a charity donation form or a "Just Giving Page" that they can donate on, so this is why we are here.
When it came to selecting a charity to raise funds for, there was one which entered my thoughts right away. A Harlow Running Club member who joined the club at the same time as myself, has recently been having treatment for a brain tumour. Spencer Brooks with the support of his wife Sharon, young sons Charlie and Sonny, other family members, running buddies and close friends, has been continuing to do the one thing he likes to do, running. This while continuing to have treatments. So with the blessing of Spencer and Sharon, I will be raising much needed funds for The Brain Tumour Charity. Please have a little read of the information below that I have gleaned from their website and with your support, we will help them with their aims & their support of brain tumour sufferers.
If you are going to donate, please consider confirming whether or not you are a UK taxpayer. That way Gift Aid can be reclaimed on donations made by individuals who pay UK income or capital gains tax which amounts to 25% on top of your donation. It's a win situation for the charity.
Thank-you in advance. All the best, Robin Lozeau.
The statistics about brain tumours
These brain tumour statistics are shocking. We believe that fighting brain
tumours on all fronts through research, awareness and support is the
only way to save lives, reduce long-term disabilities and help everyone, with a brain tumour and their families.
The statistics
- Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40
- Almost 11,700 people are diagnosed each year with a primary brain tumour, including 500 children and young people – that's 32 people every day
- Over 5,000 people lose their lives to a brain tumour each year
- At least 102,000 children and adults are estimated to be living with a brain tumour in the UK currently
- Brain tumours reduce life expectancy by on average 20 years – the highest of any cancer
- Just 11% of adults survive for five years after diagnosis
- Brain tumours are the largest cause of preventable or treatable blindness in children
- Research offers the only real hope of dramatic improvements in the management and treatment of brain tumours. Over £500m is spent on cancer research in the UK every year, yet less than 3% is spent on brain tumours
Our values
Our values underpin our culture, the way we do things and what we believe in. The way we work is:
Pioneering
We are relentless and courageous in the pursuit of our vision, seeking new ways to make a difference.
We will always do what is needed, even if it's not easy, to achieve excellence.
Passionate
People are at the heart of our charity. We are passionate about finding a cure and ensuring that everyone affected has the highest quality of life and chance of survival.
We respect and respond to every individual who supports us or who we support in our endeavour to find a cure.
Collaborative
We will only achieve our vision by building networks, partnerships and a strong brain tumour community. We collaborate and value everyone's contribution.
We will only make a lasting impact and drive change through working together.
Smart
We are focused and intelligent in our approach to defeating brain tumours.
We are the experts you can trust to give you the information you need and to make a difference.
Unite with us and help us take these steps towards achieving our vision of a world where brain tumours are defeated.
Find out more about our progress since the launch of our strategy. We have taken bold steps towards our goals but there is still so much to do. Please join us and be part of the change.