In October me and Simon have made the brave/stupid decision to run the Manchester half marathon 🙈.

We are running to raise money for Brain Tumour Research an extremely important charity to our family. In June 2025 our family was completely turned upside down when after what we thought was a mild stroke we discovered that Richard, my step dad, had two pretty big brain tumours.

After a horrendous month of tests which included major brain surgery we got the absolutely devastating news that Richard at only 58, had a Glioblastoma. This was the worst news we could have possibly have asked for. Glioblastoma is the most serious of brain cancers it’s extremely aggressive and fast growing and is currently incurable. The prognosis from diagnosis is 12-14 months.

Fast forward to 2026 Richard has had surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and is currently on a medical trial which we believe is the reason he is still with us, something that would not be possible without research. However, despite the treatment the cancer has already taken a huge toll on Richard, he has had to give up work and driving, his eye sight has deteriorated and he struggles with stability and tiredness. Those that know Richard know he is a doer, he never stops and always wants to help people, so to have all of this taken away from him because of this disease is cruel and heartbreaking.

We know the prognosis is poor but what we and Richard especially do have is hope and determination that we aren’t giving up. In January this year we had the incredible news that his scan was stable so we are going ahead and booking as many holidays as we can and making the most of every day.

Please give if you can, even if it’s just a few pounds. There really isn’t enough going into glioblastoma research so every little bit counts. Research is really our only hope now which is why this is so important to me and my family.

If you have got this far through my ramble thank you ☺️.

Lauren and Simon

On Sunday 4th October 2026, over 28,000 runners will take part in one of the UK’s favourite half marathons, the Manchester Half. Among them will be a team of #FightingForce heroes running and raising funds in support of Brain Tumour Research.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this.

We are the only national charity in the UK focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours through campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK.