Personal story

As some of you know, my husband, Nev, has a brain tumour. It took a year to diagnose following visit upon visit to GPs, clinics and hospitals where his symptoms were ignored and appropriate diagnostic tests were deemed unnecessary. Without constant pushing on our part, it would have taken a lot longer for that diagnosis to be given. Not only is Nev contending with daily side effects such as epileptic seizures, memory loss, poor word recall, communication and behavioural difficulties, loss of balance and extreme tiredness - to name but a few - he is now undergoing an extensive year long programme of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

To do something positive during this time in our lives, I've decided to run in the Rob Burrow Leeds Half Marathon on the 10th of May 2026. Not only is Rob Burrow an amazing role model, but also Nev's treatment is taking place at Leeds.

Now I do a bit of running but not this far and not at a fast speed! So this will be a challenge for 60 year old me - both physically and mentally. However, I am determined to rise to the challenge - just as Nev does every single day. For those of you that know Nev - whether that be from the world of education, as a tour de force on the Old Brodleians rugby pitch or just in person - you will know his strength, courage and determination. Well he continues to inspire every day - now more than ever.

But it's not just about our personal story. Brain tumour research is significantly underfunded and UK Centres of Excellence are urgently needed. So every step I run will be to help those, who, like us, are living with brain tumours, in memory of those who have lost their life and for those of us who in the future may hear the words "You have a brain tumour."

I would be beyond grateful if you could donate to this amazing charity, which is the leading voice of the brain tumour community - however small that amount might be. It would also provide us with a much needed boost as we face this coming year. Thank you so much and if you see me out running, give me a shout of encouragement. I've many miles to run...

From Brain Tumour Research

One in three people in the UK knows someone affected by a brain tumour. This disease is indiscriminate; it can affect anyone at any age. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002.

Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this. It is the only national charity focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours. Help fund the fight. Together we will find a cure.