Hello, my name is Ollie and I am running the 2026 TCS London Marathon in memory of Andrew 'Tano' Owen, the late father of my fiancee, Isobel.

Tano was diagnosed with an inoperable oligodendroglioma (a rare type of brain tumour) in July 2023 following a seizure in February that year. After a brave battle he sadly passed away on August 29, 2025, surrounded by his daughters, Isobel and Geraldine, and wife of 34 years, Beverley.

A formidable rugby player in his youth, he took on his illness and treatment - involving 30 cycles of radiotherapy and nine rounds of chemotherapy - with courage and determination. Even when we were told no more treatment was available and he became bedbound, Tano never once felt sorry for himself, only thinking of Bev and the girls.

I first met Tano in 2019 and although we knew each other for only six years, I am so lucky and blessed to have had him in my life. He welcomed me into his family with open arms. No matter how low you felt, Tano would always find a way of making you smile.

Tano was an inspiration for us all and he will be at the forefront of my mind when I tackle the Marathon on April 26, 2026. I am raising money for Brain Tumour Research to help find a cure for all types of brain tumours. Thank you for your support.

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.