As many of you know, I’m not exactly a natural runner. Until earlier this year the furthest I’d ever managed was just about struggling to a 5k. So attempting the Royal Parks Half Marathon – 21km! – is a massive step up for me.

The reason I’m doing it is simple: my good mate Luke Cross was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2020. Luke’s story, and the resilience he’s shown, has inspired a brilliant group of us to run together under the banner of Joggin’ for my Noggin’. This year I’ll be running (or at least hobbling) alongside Luke, Paul Rickard, Pete Gladwell and Tom Paul. Last year the group raised over £7,500 for The Brain Tumour Charity, and we’re hoping to raise even more this year.

Brain tumours are devastating – they’re the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, and yet less than 3% of cancer research funding in the UK goes towards them. Over 12,000 people are diagnosed each year, and 5,300 lose their lives. Research is the only way we change that.

The Brain Tumour Charity is doing vital work – funding world-class research, pushing for faster diagnoses, and providing support to people like Luke and their families. Their goals are bold but essential:

Live Longer – double survival by 2030

Live Better – halve the harm brain tumours have on quality of life by 2030

So while I’ll be huffing and puffing my way round Hyde Park with the lads, your sponsorship will go towards something far more important: helping the fight against brain tumours.

Any support you can give – big or small – would mean the world. Thank you.