Hey everyone, this is Poppy and Mia, the youngest two of four siblings.

We’re raising money for Brain Research UK as we train and run the London Marathon 2026 in honour of our wonderful dad, who was recently diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour.

If you’d like to know a little more about our “why”, please read below.

A few weeks ago, our amazing dad packed up sailing for the season and came back to the UK, ready for a winter of work and family time. After he started mixing up a few words, we decided to take him to A&E, where we were given the completely unexpected news that he has been living with a high grade glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumour, and that our time together could be as short as three months.

This diagnosis has changed our lives overnight. Just months ago, Dad was sailing, cycling, and looking forward to retirement with Mum, family, and friends. Now this horrible disease has forced us to bring forward the celebrations, to see more of the people he loves, and to make sure Dad’s remaining time is filled with love, adventure, and happiness - exactly what he’s always given us.

Of course, we’re going to miss Dad more than words can say, but we’re so grateful to have parents who have truly lived life to the fullest. Mum and Dad have worked so hard to squeeze a hundred years of life, laughter, and memories into a wonderful 59. It’s too short, but we have made sure it’s so full with not a single regret.

He’s always done so much for his family, the first to help anyone who needed it, the one who believed in us even when we didn’t believe in ourselves. His love and care have shaped who we are. Mum and Dad were at every single swimming race, woke up at 4am five days a week to drive us to training, and even flew across the pond to support Mia in America as an athlete.

Now it’s our turn to do something for him. We’re running and fundraising for brain cancer research to help other families like ours - families who deserve more time, more hope, and more memories.

Dad might not make it to watch us run this race, but we know he’ll be there, cheering us on as our biggest supporter, just as he always has been and always will be.

Even in the hardest moments, Dad faces each day with quiet strength and courage. We’re so proud to be his daughters, and we’ll carry his love, fight, and determination with us every step of the way.

Dad was still training four times a week with a tumour in his brain, so running a marathon is the very least we can do 💪🏽💓

We love you, Dad. Thank you for everything you and Mum have taught us, and for the love and strength you’ve given us.

Lots of love,

Pops and Mia, and our amazing family…Mum, Zo and Jake x