Two Dukes, one cause, half a marathon

My amazing mum – and my dad’s equally amazing wife (though he’d never admit that himself) – was diagnosed with three brain tumours, and life hasn’t been the same since.

Over the years, we’ve watched this disease gradually take more and more from her. She’s lost her memory, her independence, and now lives with epilepsy. Some days bring terrifying seizures that land her in hospital for weeks; other days involve exhausting rounds of radiotherapy. I never truly understood how deeply brain tumours could affect the body – how unpredictable and cruel they can be. One day, she’s walking and talking; the next, she’s unable to do either.

But here’s the plot twist – it doesn’t stop there. My brother recently joined what we’ve dubbed the “Unwelcome Brain Stuff” club with his own diagnosis. This is exactly why research desperately needs more funding to help find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Through it all, my dad has been the most incredible carer – by her side during seizures, broken bones, and the hardest days when simply walking becomes a challenge. Despite everything they’ve faced, both my mum and dad continue to show remarkable strength, compassion, and selflessness, always finding ways to put others before themselves.

So what are we doing about it? Well, clearly we decided the logical solution was to run 13.1 miles around London dressed like sweaty champions in lycra while our knees give out. That’s right: my dad and I are taking on the London Landmarks Half Marathon in aid of Brain Research UK – because brains are important, and so are the incredible people working to fix them.

Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of under-40s. One in six people live with a neurological condition. That’s not okay. Funding research means longer lives, better treatments, and a chance for families like mine to have more good days with the people they love.

So if you’ve ever said “I could never run a half marathon” – SAME. But here we are, lacing up our shoes (wrong foot first, obviously), training through the pain (and the complaints), and running for those who can’t.

Please donate what you can – or at least cheer us on. We’ll take love, laughs, and money (mostly money) in equal measure.

Thanks for reading, and wish us luck (and our in tact toenails).

🧠💜