A very close friend of mine was diagnosed with a brain tumour in his early thirties, shortly after getting married, being given only a few years to live. True to his character, he fought for 11 years before passing away in July this year.

Andy has left behind his lovely family, wife and two kids, all like him in so many ways. News like this is crushing, all the more so when losing such a huge personality and someone who could fill the room.

It's often said, but Andy truly was one of the good ones. The ultimate family man, friend to everyone and someone who leaves the world worse off by not being in it.

Andy didn't let the tumour define him, and over the years raised money in various different ways - one occasion in particular completing the 900 mile cycle from Lands End to John Ogroates, having only trained a handful of times because he was too busy recovering from a broken neck - ironically, suffered on his first or second training session.

I recently found out that Andy had signed up to the Edinburgh Marathon towards the end of 2024, giving himself a goal to work towards. He unfortunately did not get to complete that goal.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am not a natural runner. It's hard work, and it's boring. That said, it really bothered me that Andy didn't get to run the marathon. So I'm going to do it for him. I've even bought some running trainers...

I'm raising money for Brain Tumour Research. A little about the charity and the disease is set out at the bottom of this box, and I really recommend that you read it.

I want to raise as much money as possible. If you can donate something - even something small - hopefully we can help the people still fighting and give them the best shot possible.

Thank you in advance to everyone who does donate or does something in their own way.

I'll let you know how I get on...

Joey

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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.