10 months. That's all the time my brothers and I got with our mum from the time she was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive brain tumour called a glioblastoma multiforme to when she passed away on the 19th June, 2023. Despite 2 successful surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a course of immunotherapy treatment in Cologne, time slipped away from us.

Families like ours deserve more time — and that's what The Brain Tumour Charity is working on. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer for people under 40 in the UK, reducing life expectancy by 27 years on average. Every year over 12,000 people get diagnosed with only 12% of them living for 5 years more. But despite that, brain tumour research gets less than 3% of government research funding.

With campaigning, practical support for patients and their families, and funding crucial research to help find a cure, The Brain Tumour Charity are doing vital work in helping fight these terrifying numbers.

Last year, my brother Max and I ran the Brighton Marathon for the first time, raising over £10k for The Brain Tumour Charity. The best moment was getting to give mum a hug at the end knowing how proud we'd made her. I don't get that this year but I'm running all the same, in the hopes that it edges us towards other families getting that chance for another hug in years to come.

Luckily this year I know how much it's gonna hurt but here's where you all come in — anyone who donates >£20 gets to add a song to my marathon playlist. Last year's favourites included Bob the Builder soundtrack, and Party in the USA.

Here's to a few more months of long, cold, dark training. Mum, thanks for picking me up when the legs get tired and the heart gets heavy.

See you all on the 7th x