I am running the Brighton Half Marathon in memory of my Grandma, Ann Zommers. In September 2023, she was unexpectedly diagnosed with highly aggressive, grade 4 glioblastoma (GBM) (brain cancer). She had a seizure at the wheel of a vehicle whilst driving and in the days following was given her diagnosis.

In the weeks and months that followed, she underwent intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment in an attempt to shrink the tumour. Due to the nature of her tumour, it was sadly inoperable

Despite the monumental efforts from a fantastic neurology team at Nottingham City Hospital, we were later told that there was nothing more that could be done. We spent the final few months making precious memories together.

In her final few weeks, Grandma was taken to John Eastwood Hospice in Nottinghamshire and spent the last 3 weeks of her life in the care of phenomenal medical staff who made comfort and calm a priority. They provided incredible support to both her and ourselves, making the difficult last stages as manageable as they could.

On 17th July 2024 Grandma sadly passed away, only 10 months after her diagnosis. Coincidently, this also happened to be GBM awareness day.

Comprehending a life without her has been, and still very much is, incredibly challenging. She is missed desperately, everyday, by all of us. She was a head strong, independent woman, provided outstanding no nonsense advice and always prioritised her family and friends. She had an infectious positive energy, a laugh and a smile which lit up the room. She was honestly just incredible

Both in memory of my Grandma and as a collective thank you to an important charity who fight to change the current odds for those facing a brain tumour diagnosis, a group of us will be running the Brighton Half Marathon on 2nd March. Right now she would be attempting to fuel us with anything sugar filled and encouraging us to skip any possible training session for an evening on the sofa, but we know somewhere, wherever her spirit may be right now, she is both immensely proud and happy to see us come together to celebrate her and give back.

If anyone would be kind enough to donate it would be greatly appreciated.