My wonderful Dad collapsed in mid January with a bleed on the brain. We soon discovered the bleed was caused by a brain tumour. My Dad had no symptoms and no warning. Sadly the tumour was so aggressive that treatment wasn't an option. He died 4 weeks later. 

My Dad was a fit and active 78 year old man. He walked up mountains and sailed his yacht regularly. He was a fun loving man with a great laugh and huge heart. I feel incredibly blessed, lucky and proud to have him in my life.

I chose to join the Brain Tumour Research team and run the London Landmarks half marathon to raise money to fund important research. Only 1% of cancer funding is allocated to Brain Tumours, yet I'm constantly surprised at how many people have been affected. Dad's tumour is rare in adults and is more common in children, ironic really, he always said he was a boy in a man's body.

Running has been a wonderful outlet for my grief and to help me process. Dad collapsed in the middle of the January lockdown and we weren't allowed to visit him due to Covid restrictions and were only allowed in to see him at the end of his life.

I've had such wonderful support from my family who have cheered me on and given me the drive to put my running gear on and go. Not least though from my fantastic personal trainer, Mike Houghton who has been tremendous support and encouragement with a good amount of laughs along the way. 

I can't wait to run this half marathon is under 2hours and 28 minutes. In honour of you Dad.