This year I will be sixty.

Not everyone makes it to sixty.

Last year I lost a good friend, Stuart Hinde to Brain Cancer, He was 59.

He was a brilliant friend to lots of people.

Stuart was supportive and eager to lever people, including me. Out of their corners to try new things. A great sports man with loads of energy, He was always instigating a new adventure or some fun. He brought sunshine to your day did Stuart.

Stuart had intended to run the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in 2023, but while training he discovered he was ill with a brain tumour, that stopped his running. He carried on walking though and shared time with his friends whenever he could. He was an inspiration to me and others throughout his illness.

Late last year I saw a post for the Rob Burrow Leeds marathon on social media and my thoughts turned to Stuart. I could hear his voice saying, “have you got a good reason not to run a marathon?” Now I am not a proper runner. The longest event I have run previously is 10km and that was some years back. I certainly never intended to run a marathon. But the Rob Burrow Marathon is synonymous with friendship and supporting your friends as much as it is about running. So I decided it would be a good way to honour Stuart’s memory, while raising funds for The Brain Tumour Charity. So here I am training for my first marathon at 59! Another new adventure that I didn’t expect to find myself on because of Stuart. How good will it be if I make it! A marathon runner at 60! And with your help £6000 towards support and a cure.

Every one of the miles I run I will try to remember that we are not here long and that it’s a privilege to be here at all.

Thanks for your friendship Stuart and all the adventures!

If you know Stuart or me and can spare the money The Brain Tumour Charity would appreciate your support.

All the very best to you all.

Caroline.

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, we're moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour.

We're set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And we're doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can't wait.