Supporters across the nation are dusting off their trainers and clocking up the miles as they prepare to take on the 2026 TCS London Marathon, in aid of Brain Tumour Research.
Gemma Taggart, 36, from Moray, will run the iconic 26.2-mile race on Sunday 26th April in honour of her dad, John Low, who is living with a glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable type of brain cancer.
She signed up after watching the marathon on television in 2025, and said: “I don’t run. I’ve never run. I hate running and being out of breath, so signing up to run 26.2 miles is honestly one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever done. But if getting through those miles might help my dad, and others facing a brain tumour, then it feels like the least I can do.
“Brain tumours take so much from people – physically, emotionally and socially. They change the person you love and they change family life, yet research remains deeply underfunded.
“Knowing the money raised can support research focused on improving treatments for the kind of diagnosis my dad lives with, makes this feel real and meaningful. It gives me hope.”
So far, Gemma has raised more than £3,100 – enough to sponsor a day of research at one of our Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence.
Gemma
After being diagnosed with a medulloblastoma in 2019, 25-year-old Ned Hilton from Cheshire, is also preparing to conquer this feat of endurance. Despite ongoing challenges, including permanent deafness in his right ear, Ned is determined to turn his experience into something positive.
He continues to undergo routine scans and says the generosity he has received highlights just how many people are affected by brain tumours and why increased awareness and funding are so vital.
“My dad, Rob, ran the London Marathon in 2021 along with my friend Ethan, and now it feels like it’s my turn to take on the challenge. I’m an experienced runner and I’ve found the training okay so far. I’m really looking forward to race day and raising as much money as possible for Brain Tumour Research,” said Ned.
Ned
Also getting ready for this epic challenge, is 42-year-old Jordan Woodford from Dorset, who’s racing in memory of his best friend Rob Stillman. Rob died in 2023, just one year after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma.
Jordan said: “Seeing someone so young and full of life have their life cut short is something that never leaves you. Brain tumours don’t discriminate, it’s horrific. I’m doing this for Rob.
“Training has been enjoyable. I’ve had a small niggle but I’ve rested and I’m feeling good. I’m really looking forward to the big day.”
Jordan
Raising awareness of this devastating disease is what has inspired Sue Warman from Worcestershire to participate in the London Marathon. She is running in memory of 11-year-old Finlay Church, who died in 2015. A close friend of the Church family, Sue has supported their previous fundraising activities including a charity ball held last year in Finlay’s memory, on what would have been his 21st birthday.
“I knew I wanted to push myself again. Seeing the London Marathon, I knew how hard it would be to get a place, but I also knew that if I ran it, it had to be for a cause that had truly touched my heart. Choosing Brain Tumour Research felt right. Training has gone well with my local running group, the Redditch Community Runners. I’m injury-free, and while it will take me out of my comfort zone, I’m ready to give it my best shot. Brain tumours are devastating and once you start talking about them, you realise just how common they are,” said Sue.
One in three people in the UK knows someone affected by a brain tumour. This disease is indiscriminate; it can affect anyone at any age. What’s more, brain tumours continue to kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet, to date, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002.
Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this.
If you’ve been inspired by these stories, help us find a cure by donating today or browse our packed events calendar to find your next fundraising challenge.
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