As many of you know, my little brother Charlie was diagnosed with a DIPG brain tumour in March 2024. From that moment, my family and I were set on the hardest journey of our lives, watching as he gradually lost the ability to walk, use his hands, swallow, and eventually speak. Yet, through it all, Charlie never lost his spirit—he remained his funny, positive self, cracking jokes and inspiring us with his incredible strength.

At the start of this year, Charlie's battle came to an end. He passed away at just 12 years old. This is the heartbreaking reality for every family facing a DIPG diagnosis, as this type of tumour remains inoperable and terminal. In an age of medical advancements, this should not be happening. There is a cure out there, and Abbie’s Army is a charity dedicated to finding it. Every donation goes towards vital scientific research to help change the future for children with DIPG.

To honour Charlie’s legacy and raise money for this cause, I will be running the Leeds Half Marathon. The pain of losing him is indescribable, and no family should have to go through this. Any support, whether through donations or simply sharing this message, means the world.