I will be running my first half marathon, the Liverpool Half Marathon on Sunday 23rd March 2025 to raise money for the Ellie Mawdsley Foundation. The Ellie Mawdsley Foundation was founded in April 2024 and set up to raise vital funds and much needed awareness of brain tumour research, particularly DIPG, supporting families as well as the patients who receive a diagnosis. Brain cancer is one of the most underfunded areas of research in the UK and it is paramount more is done to support research into DIPG and bring us closer to effective treatments and a cure. There have been no major advancements in treatment in over 50 years, with the only standard treatment available being palliative radiotherapy.

The Ellie Mawdsley Foundation was set up in memory of my beautiful friend Ellie who passed away in July 2023, aged just 23. In December 2021, Ellie received the devastating news that she had a brain tumour, a DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma). There are over 120 different known types of brain cancer and DIPG is the most fatal of all. DIPG grows in the PONS area of the brainstem making surgery impossible.

Ellie was the most incredible person. She was beautiful inside and out, kind, courageous, witty, and unbelievably selfless. Ellie fought with the most unbelievable strength and dignity that I have ever seen, and I am so proud to call Ellie one of my best friends. We will continue to do what we can to keep your light shining through the Ellie Mawdsley Foundation. I miss you always, El 🩷

Any donations are hugely appreciated and will make an enormous difference to research into DIPG tumours and supporting families facing such cruel diagnoses. Thank you so much in advance 🤍 Xxx