Autumn is proving a popular season to lace up and run for research.
More than 400 runners are taking part in races up and down the UK during September, October and November, raising money and awareness for Brain Tumour Research.
Among those who have already collected their well-deserved medals is Sally Harley (pictured top centre). Having set herself the incredible goal of running five races during her 50th birthday year, Sally completed the epic feat at last Sunday’s Robin Hood Half Marathon. Her relentless fundraising has now reached nearly £4,500.
Sally’s inspiration is her husband Bob (pictured top right with Sally), who was diagnosed with multiple meningiomas in 2024. Further tests revealed Bob has NF2 schwannomatosis, a rare genetic condition that causes multiple tumours to grow in the nervous system. He will face lifelong monitoring through regular MRI scans.
“Bob is living with a disease he can’t escape and I had this opportunity to do something meaningful and bring attention to brain tumours. People often think that low-grade means fine, but for Bob life is more challenging now and more uncertain,” said Sally.
“Every step of my fundraising journey has been fantastic. I’ve met new friends, made memories and even set some PBs along the way. And it means all the more knowing that every time I cross a finish line, I’m helping Brain Tumour Research get closer to a cure.”
Meanwhile, Ingrid Kaca (pictured top left) is in the final stages of preparing for the Oysho Royal Parks Half Marathon, which she will run this weekend (Sunday 11th October). Ingrid’s mum, Mia, was diagnosed with a meningioma in March 2021.
Shockingly, Mia’s diagnosis came just a month after her mum, Bardhe, died from a brain tumour.
Ingrid said: “My nan had just passed away from a brain tumour, so to find out Mum had the same thing was terrifying. Everything happened so fast, and I thought Mum would die too. Fortunately, Mum’s biopsy showed her tumour was non-cancerous but we know they can still have a huge and negative impact.”
She added: “I’m running in memory of Nan and in honour of Mum. I wanted to run for this cause because it is so close to my heart. Brain Tumour Research is focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours, which is so important to me. I want to raise as much as I can to help anyone else who is going through this disease so other families don’t lose a loved one like we did.”
Good luck to Ingrid and everyone who is set to take on a challenge for Brain Tumour Research this autumn. And thank you to everyone who has already raced for research – you are amazing!
Feeling inspired? Find your next run, cycle or adrenaline-fuelled challenge in our packed calendar of events.
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