A Birmingham man is preparing to run two marathons in support of his aunt, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Tom Steventon, 29, will run a grand total of 39.3 miles for the Manchester Marathon (4ᵗʰ May) and Birmingham Half-Marathon (27ᵗʰ April) in aid of Brain Tumour Research. The fundraisers come after Rachel Massey (below) was diagnosed with an anaplastic astrocytoma brain tumour in 2018, at the age of 50.
Rachel, a retired primary school teacher whose sudden seizure identified the tumour, underwent 33 rounds of treatment whilst volunteering and raising funds for Brain Tumour Research. She said: “Every day is truly a gift, and I’m grateful for the incredible care I’ve received. I want to help others facing this fight, which is why I’m so moved by Tom’s support.”
Given a heartbreaking prognosis of just three to five years, Rachel has defied the odds and is enjoying her sixth year post-diagnosis.
Tom said: "I was devastated when I found out my aunt has a brain tumour. It’s hard to process, and I feel lost in how to help.
“Running both the Manchester and Birmingham races is my way of showing support for Rachel and all those affected by brain tumours. I hope to contribute to the critical research needed to improve treatments and ultimately find a cure.”
You can donate to Brain Tumour Research via Tom’s JustGiving page.
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