On Sunday 18th May 2025 I will be running the Hackney Half Marathon. As part of my preparation I will also be running the Sheffield Half Marathon on Sunday 23rd March 2025. In doing so I am hoping to raise funds to support The Brain Tumour Charity - whose vital work is helping to accelerate treatment and cures for all brain tumours and support those living with the disease.

In 2017 my brother Jamie was diagnosed with a brain tumour (meningioma), after experiencing symptoms including seizures and periods of numbness down his left side. Thankfully Jamie’s tumour was found to be benign, though he would still require a complex operation to remove it.

Whilst Jamie was waiting for surgery, my dad Stephen also began experiencing similar symptoms. After a number of hospital visits, multiple tests and scans, it was determined Dad should undergo a biopsy in order for further examinations to be completed.

In September 2017, Dad went for his biopsy - laughing and joking with Mum on the ward beforehand - he took everything in his stride and his sole focus was finding out what was wrong with him so that he could begin to feel better.

Sadly Dad never fully awoke from the biopsy, and was placed in an induced coma shortly after. He had suffered a brain haemorrhage during the procedure and died five days later on 3rd October 2017.

The results of the biopsy confirmed he had a high grade glioma - an aggressive tumour which had spread quickly across his brain, and would likely have being inoperable had he survived the biopsy.

Research suggests the average survival time for such a high grade glioma is 12-18 months – only 25% of patients survive more than one year, and only 5% of patients survive more than five years.

Less than a week after Dad died, Jamie underwent surgery to remove his tumour, which was successful, and he went on to make a full recovery.

I’ve never been a runner. I’ve only been running for the past 8 months or so - and registered for the Hackney Half Marathon after only completing a couple of 5k runs - so if you’re able, please donate whatever you can to The Brain Tumour Charity to support a fantastic cause, and one that is close to home.