On Sunday 12th October, 2025, I will be running the London Royal Parks Half Marathon in honour of my Dad, David Dare- the most brilliant brother, father, husband, son, uncle and friend all those close to him were lucky enough to know him as.

David was an extraordinarily determined, sharp and ambitious man. He found his niche in the canal boat industry, and paved his way towards success on his own terms. Even in stressful work periods he remained persistent and impassioned for his job- even if that meant shouting at the “stupid computer” at 6am on a Monday morning. He was never off duty because to him, passion always outweighed stress. He was utterly inspirational in this regard.

Outside of work, his love for trains was unparalleled. He could tell you what train was passing from the sound of the engine, or the sound of a horn. He was an avid member of the Bluebell Railway, something he had been involved in since childhood. For as long as I can remember, Dad was obsessed with model railways, culminating in his attic masterpiece which looped above Caron’s studio at home. He will forever live on through the waterways, canalboats and trains.

My dad was also a man with the biggest heart. Whether it be a joke at his expense (he always complained about being "picked on" by us all) or helping my moody teenage self with the demon that is fractions, he was gentle, caring and patient at his core- even if that meant delivering the hard truth you didn't want to hear.

He always nurtured, and never stifled, my passion for singing and acting. Throughout my childhood I always asked him "When I grow up, what do you want me to do?", to which his response always remained the same: "Whatever makes you happy." He not only supported with his words but actions too; despite his busy schedule, he would drive me to athletic practices and events- even if I never placed better than 4th.

He married the love of his life Caron in 2017, and together built a home to raise 5 children (6 if you count Leo the dog, which we certainly do) on love, homemade food, humour, sound morals and, above all, the importance of education. They sacrificed an easy life for the benefit of our futures, and I will always respect, cherish and appreciate this.

On the 17th April, 2025, only a few swift months after his diagnosis, my Dad lost the battle to an aggressive brain tumour known as a Glioblastoma, despite all the love and care anyone could possibly provide. To have the crux of our family vanish so suddenly has been baffling, devastating and heartbreaking to say the least.

But Dad would not want us to sit around doing nothing. He was proactive and quick on his feet. He almost always had an answer for a question, and a solution for a problem.

So this is my solution. I am setting out to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity in his name, because something so cruel and unfair should be stopped, once and for all.

I hope you will support me by donating whatever you can spare- whether that be as small as the cost of a coffee, or just sharing this fundraising page on social media or to people you know.

Dad- we love you so much and will miss you forever.

Words from The Brain Tumour Charity: