With just a few days to go until the TCS London Marathon, we’d like to wish our runners all the best as they take on this extraordinary challenge.
We’ll be cheering on our biggest ever team with 161 runners taking to the streets in support of Brain Tumour Research. As you lace up your trainers and put on your branded pink shirts, know that your involvement will bring hope to the 13,000 people who are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year. And every penny collected through your fundraising will help support vital research that could change the story for patients and their families.
Kiana Kitching is taking on this iconic race in support of her mum Carolyn who was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in 2024. Carolyn underwent surgery to remove the tumour, and has undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hyperthermia, all aimed at slowing the tumour’s regrowth which have so far been successful. Hyperthermia is a type of treatment that uses high temperatures to kill cancer cells while limiting harm to healthy tissues.
Now that her intensive treatment has come to an end, Carolyn is finding her way back to a new routine. She is focusing on what matters most; spending time with family, especially with her granddaughter, and beginning to return to the things she enjoys, like crafts and Pilates.
Kiana said: “Running the London Marathon has always been something I have wanted to do, especially living in London and watching it every year – it really is the most magical atmosphere. I am honoured to be running and fundraising for Brain Tumour Research as it is an incredible charity that is trying to find a cure and improve treatment, this helps motivate me through all the hard training.”
Carolyn and Kiana
Also getting ready for this epic challenge is Daniel Bradley, who tragically lost his father Kevin within just 12 weeks of his brain tumour diagnosis.
“I decided to take on the TCS London Marathon to help raise awareness of brain tumours, particularly because of my father’s missed diagnosis. By the time he was finally diagnosed, it was far too late for a treatment. Watching someone deteriorate so quickly was devastating for our whole family. My dad was such a big part of our lives and losing him in such a short space of time has left a huge gap.
“Taking on this challenge is my way of honouring him, raising awareness of the signs and symptoms, and helping support more research so that other families do not have to go through the same experience.
“My running journey only started in May last year. I had set myself the goal of completing a marathon before I turned 40, and I could not think of a better way to do it than by running the London Marathon while raising money for Brain Tumour Research,” said Daniel.
Daniel
If our runners have inspired you to help us fight to find a cure, there are lots of ways to get involved.
