Dr Karen Noble, our Director of Research and Policy, is preparing to run the Robin Hood Half Marathon for Brain Tumour Research. She shares her inspiration for taking on this challenge, what helps her train and the far-reaching impacts of fundraising.
I started running in 2017 when I took on the London Marathon. It was the hottest race ever, and I felt like I just survived it. I’m not a keen runner but have since completed a few half marathons including Brooklyn and Amsterdam with my best friend. I also took on Cambridge in March, a run I’ve been doing every year since 2018.
Signing up to the Robin Hood Half Marathon, taking place in Nottingham on Sunday 27th September, feels especially meaningful. As the Charity’s Director of Research and Policy, I’m proud to be taking part in a challenge that brings attention to the impacts of brain tumours.
But on a more personal note, I’m inspired by the memory of my sister-in-law Karen who died of a glioblastoma in 2011, within months of her diagnosis, aged 47. Knowing that fundraising could enable more research into innovative treatments gives me a sense of comfort.
I did my undergraduate degree in Nottingham and have many fond memories of the city that set me up for the rest of my life. It feels like I went as a girl and left as a woman, now coming back full circle for this half marathon and creating awareness of a charity I’m proud to work for.
I don't usually focus on pace; I just want to stay fit and try to maintain stamina, though it would be good to push myself for this challenge and get a faster time. I try to go out twice a week but it’s not always easy to motivate myself when it's cold and raining. I have to tell myself to go out. I put in my headphones and listen to Radio 5, I’m happiest when I’m listening to conversations and discussions, it feels like the broadcasters are with me on my run. I particularly like Rick Edwards; he does a morning show and sports podcast on Saturdays. I like to run alone when I train, just me, the road and my headphones.
Having time to think is also important to me while I’m running. We all struggle with work-life balance but it's crucial to set yourself a goal. When you sign up for something you have a target, it’s tangible, it pushes you. Training is keeping me fit, giving me energy and there’s a huge sense of satisfaction from being able to achieve a goal while doing something for a compelling cause.
I’ve been running five kilometres consistently but over the coming months I will have to increase my mileage by one kilometre every run and will aim to get up to 16km before the Robin Hood Half Marathon.
I’m really looking forward to the big day and putting on my bright pink Brain Tumour Research vest, running with a team of inspirational people and hopefully running one of my fastest races. There’s something truly special about the crowds cheering and spirit of support that keeps me going, and I’m excited to embrace Nottingham again.
Being named the race’s headline charity partner is a hugely significant opportunity for Brain Tumour Research and for everyone affected by a brain tumour. In my role, I’m responsible for making sure the Charity is spending money on the best research possible to finding a cure and increase survival rates. Combined with that, I lead our campaigning and how we use our voice to influence policy makers, raise awareness and change outcomes for patients. With more income, we can spend more on funding research to find innovative treatments, accelerating pioneering science and do more to make sure the voice of the brain tumour community is heard.
I'm encouraged by the progress that is being made and its far-reaching impact – we have built good relationships with parliamentarians, there are glimmers of hope in the form of the Rare Cancers Act, new drugs like vorasidenib and what we are seeing being delivered by scientists at our Centres of Excellence. In January we launched a new Centre at The University of Nottingham, focused on glioblastoma research and bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real patient benefit.
It’s the most exciting time in the campaigning world; there’s a real momentum in raising awareness and articulating challenges such as accessing clinical trials, lack of treatment options and inequity in research across cancers. It feels like pushing against an open door and now we are in a position to influence government to deliver better outcomes for brain tumour patients. Knowing that my half marathon run will also play a part in bringing attention to this devastating disease feels purposeful.
If Karen’s story has inspired you, there’s still time to sign up and run the Robin Hood Half Marathon this September. Find out more by clicking here.
Or browse our packed calendar of events to find the perfect challenge for you and make a difference for the one in three people who knows someone affected by a brain tumours.
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