I have chosen to run for the brain and spine foundation as I was diagnosed with an intramedullary spinal tumour in 2019 which I then had surgery to remove. This made running for this charity a very personal choice and an opportunity to give to those less fortunate than myself facing similar frightening and uncertain journeys.

Fortunately for me the surgeon was able to remove the tumour leaving only a residual cyst for which I now have yearly check ups. Also, despite the less than favourable odds given the size and location of the tumour, following the surgery and lots of rehab I still have the ability to walk and run although I do unfortunately have some permanent nerve damage.

After a month in hospital with the amazing support of Annette, my wife, and the medical team on the neurosurgery ward at the university hospital Coventry and Warwickshire I could walk again, which was not a given before surgery. Fortunately the tumour was not cancerous and not genetic however it was life changing all the same.

About 18 months after surgery I decided to try to run/walk with the support of my daughter Issy, and later new friends in Hinckley running club after she persuaded me to join!!! I steadily progressed from a run/walk 40 minute 5k to the point where last year I completed a sub 2 hour half marathon and a 22 minute 5k!

My reason for running a marathon is that in 2004 I ran the Dublin marathon, having never ran before. I did a 16 week training plan and completed the marathon in 4 hours 5 minutes. Since then I have always ran on and off, but always had the desire to achieve it under the 4 hours.

Now I feel ready to take on this personal journey and challenge to try to run a sub 4 hour marathon. My body is not as good now, but my knowledge and determination is stronger. Also I never know what the next MRI will show, so would like to take on this challenge whilst I feel good and ready.

A bit more information about the brain and spine foundation, they have 30 years’ experience of delivering professional services, research insight and building community.

They are pan-neuro covering all 600+ conditions and symptoms that affect the brain, spine, and nervous system.

In the UK, they address a vast ‘neuro’ community of 12 million people (1 in 6 of the population) affected by a neurological condition, millions more if you consider the needs of carers, family, and friends.

There aim is to dramatically improve treatment, care, and quality of life – because the status quo is wholly unacceptable.