Student Erin Hamilton lost her grandad Russell Shreeves (pictured above left with Erin), aged 64, to a glioblastoma, in December 2019. His death came just seven months after headaches led to the discovery of his brain tumour.
In her grandad's memory, and alongside her sister Izzy, this Sunday (6th April), Erin will take on the London Landmarks Half Marathon, to raise money for Brain Tumour Research – despite vowing never to run again after she completed the TCS London Marathon on our behalf last year!
Erin, who is studying for a degree in biomedicine at the University of Portsmouth, said: “Grandad had a huge influence on my life. Even when choosing my degree, I wanted my studies to incorporate neuroscience and, in a project, I looked at the disease he died of. I’m interested in the clinical trial space. Knowing that one day I can help people through science is something to aspire to and, whilst I’m not there yet, I’ll continue to do what I can to drive investment in research into brain tumours.”
Erin added: “Running has never come naturally to me, especially whilst managing my type 1 diabetes. Seeing the money raised and having conversations with people who once didn’t know about brain tumours, and increasing awareness of the disease, is what keeps bringing me back to it.
“When I feel an urge to stay at home rather than go for a run, or when I feel like I’m struggling 10 miles into one, I remember what Grandad went through, and I pick myself up and get the run done.”
Erin's commitment to the cause, along with others in her family, has already helped to raise almost £40,000 for the Charity, with a variety of events, including Band in the Barn and a golf day. Later this year, in September, Erin will take on the Berlin Marathon with her mum, Hannah.
If you have been inspired by Erin’s dedication, please donate to her JustGiving page.
We wish luck to all those runners taking part in this weekend's London Landmarks Half Marathon, on behalf of Brain Tumour Research and other incredible causes.
Related reading: