Running for Uncle Mark & Brain Tumour Research – Great North Run 2025

Hi, we’re Katie and Lily, and this year we’re taking on the Great North Run to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research—a cause incredibly close to our hearts.

For Katie, this race is deeply personal. In 2018 her Uncle Mark tragically died following a diagnosis of glioblastoma, an aggressive and devastating brain tumour. Lily never had the chance to meet Uncle Mark, but through Katie’s stories, she has come to understand how special he was and how missed he is by all who knew him.

As doctors, we see the impact of brain tumours far too often—patients and families facing devastating diagnoses, limited treatment options, and uncertain futures. That’s why we’re running, not just for Uncle Mark, but for every patient, every family, and every future breakthrough that research can bring.

Why This Fight Matters

- Brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, yet they receive just 1% of national cancer research funding.

- Glioblastoma has an average survival rate of only 12–18 months, with little progress made in treatment options for decades.

- Only 12% of brain tumour patients survive beyond five years, compared to 50% for other cancers.

Brain Tumour Research are committed to change. They fund pioneering research across five Centres of Excellence in the UK, fighting for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Every Step Counts

Your support means everything. Whether you can donate, share this page, or simply cheer us on, we truly appreciate it.

Together, we will find a cure.