A mum is taking part in our Jog 26.2 Miles in May challenge to help find a cure for brain tumours inspired by her son who is undergoing treatment for the disease.
Anne Siddall signed up for the challenge to give herself a new focus after her son Archie was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) in October 2022.
Tragically, Anne has already lost one child. Her daughter Madeline died from sudden cardiac death in 2011, aged 15.
Anne said: “It’s unbearable to think of losing another child. If I think about it too much, I go to a very dark place. We were told the tumour was incurable. We haven’t asked for a prognosis; we just didn’t want to go there.”
Archie (pictured with Anne and dad Craig) underwent surgery to remove around 50% of the tumour. He had six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy which ended in January, and is now on six cycles of tablet-form chemo.
The family is now trying to “make memories” with Archie and his one-year-old daughter, Amelia, and although it’s not easy, Anne says they are “just taking each day as it comes”.
She added: “If the Government funded research properly, we wouldn’t be in this situation. This challenge gives me a focus and if I can raise money to help, it’s worth it. I’ve been humbled by how generous people have been and the kindness of all those who have helped my family or came to visit Archie when he was in hospital, it’s heart-warming.”
There’s still time to sign up for Jog 26.2 Miles in May and take part at your own pace. Click here to find out more.
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