On 20th October 2024, I will be running the Yorkshire Marathon in memory of my Dad, Ian, who passed away late last year after a short battle with a brain tumour.

In August 2023, my dad began experiencing some minor symptoms including migraines, double vision and dizziness. This persisted for a few weeks, eventually leading him to consult a doctor about the issue.

He was diagnosed in late September with a pineal tumour located in the centre of his brain. After a few smaller operations to relieve the symptoms, which were initially successful, the tumour was found to have grown in size. The decision was made to surgically remove the tumour.

On 5th December 2023, my dad was admitted to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield for his major operation. The tumour was removed, but his brain struggled to cope with the trauma caused during surgery. Large swelling occurred, which caused pressure on his brain stem, and in the early hours of Friday morning on 9th December 2023, me and my family were given the devastating news that my dad would not survive.

My dad leaves behind an incredible legacy as a devoted father, husband, brother, son, and friend. He was always a positive and forward thinking man, who inspired me in so many ways to be the person I am today. He was a role model to many and will be dearly missed. I will always be grateful for the very close relationship I had with him, in which we shared many interests and some of the happiest memories I have ever had.

Since my dad's death, me, my family, and our friends have found great comfort in running and fundraising in his memory, which is why for the past few months I have been training for the Yorkshire Marathon, in which I will be raising money for Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity.

Around 11,000 new cases of primary brain tumours are diagnosed in the UK every year, 15 each week in Yorkshire. Treatments have been relatively unchanged for nearly 50 years and brain tumours are now the biggest cancer killer of people aged 40 and under in the UK.

Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity aims to fund world-class research in Yorkshire to find treatments and a cure for brain tumours. They also provide emotional, practical, and financial support to those living with and affected by this disease. You can read and find out more about the work and research they do here: https://www.yorksbtc.org.uk/about

This is a cause very close to mine and my family's heart, and any donations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! :)