A Surrey brain tumour patient who once feared he would not be around to watch his kids grow up is now training to run the TCS London Marathon.
Greg Priddy will be taking part in the 26.2-mile race on Sunday 21st April in aid of Brain Tumour Research, which he and his family have supported since his shock diagnosis with a primary brain CNS lymphoma (PCNSL), in November 2020.
Greg, 47, said: “At the time I was diagnosed, I didn’t even think I would be around to see my kids’ next birthdays, let alone be able to run a marathon.
“Being able to complete a personal challenge like this is a privilege, and to be able to do it to raise awareness of brain tumours makes it even more worthwhile.”
Sadly, the location of the tumour meant surgery was not an option, so Greg underwent intensive chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant, which wiped out his immune system.
To protect him from contracting COVID-19 and other infections which could have proved deadly, his wife, Jo, and teenage children, William and Amelia, were forced to shield from the rest of the world for more than two years.
Greg’s inspiration for running the marathon comes from watching William complete a 26.2 mile challenge in October 2021 for Brain Tumour Research, in which he mirrored the Virgin Money London Marathon in their back garden whilst shielding.
Now in remission, Greg said: “I told William then that once I was well enough, I’d attempt the London Marathon myself. He’s been really supportive and is even going to cycle with me on my long runs.”
Greg has set himself a fundraising target of £2,740, which is enough to sponsor a day of research at one of our four Centres of Excellence.
“I’m hoping to smash my target,” said Greg, whose family has already raised around £16,000 for us.
To support Greg’s fundraising, visit https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/greg-priddy.
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