Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In October 2022 my Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor after months of poor health and misdiagnosis, he underwent emergency brain surgery the day after diagnosis, before a more complex neurosurgery to remove the tumor. Although my Dad still has some of this tumor left due to its location, we are so grateful that this is slow growing and therefore he is back to making the most of life. I am so grateful for charities like Brain Research that meant these complex surgeries are possible and he can continue to live a good life. Unfortunately this isn't my families first experience of a brain tumor, we sadly lost my Uncle Martyn several years ago to an aggressive tumor and I hope through fundraising we can help fund research to prevent more families experiencing such loss. Brain Research UK also undertakes research into dementia and Alzhemiers which I hold close to my heart as my Grandad has dementia and seeing him slip away as a person has been unbelievably challenging for my family. 

When Dad was going through his surgeries I knew I needed to fundraise this year but I wasn't sure what challenge I would do,  I never thought in my wildest dreams I would sign up for a marathon.  In January I set myself a 30 before 30 list, one of which was to run a 5k without stopping, which just shows how inexperienced I am at running. Through the support of some good friends I now regularly attend Park Runs and have done a few slightly longer runs over the last few months, but nowhere near a crazy distance like this! When applying for a charity place for Berlin Marathon I assumed it wouldn't happen... but here I am ready as I will ever be to face this! 

I am equal parts excited and petrified of this challenge, and there is no city I would rather run in than Berlin. The next few months are going to be incredibly tough as I start a training plan late May but all the pain and exhaustion will be worth it to help with a charity that means so much to me. I would hugely appreciate any donations to make this worthwhile! 

Dad, Martyn & Grandad - this one is for you :)