A woman who promised her husband before he died that she would run the TCS London Marathon is in the final stages of her training for the iconic event.
On Sunday 2nd October, Nicki Hopkins will lace up for her first ever marathon to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research. Describing the event as “a big challenge, but one I’m determined to complete”, Nicki is running inspired by her husband Dave (Did) who died from a brain tumour last year.
Dave was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) on 1st September 2020. He underwent surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and through crowdfunding accessed pioneering treatment in Germany. Sadly, nothing could save him and Dave passed away 14 months later on 6th November 2021.
Nicki, who has been nominated in the Fundraiser category for BBC Radio Humberside’s Make a Difference Awards, became a passionate campaigner for greater investment into research, along with Dave’s eldest daughter Lydia before Dave died. This year, they set up a Fundraising Group called Team Hopkins – Winning for Did which has already raised more than £36,700 for Brain Tumour Research.
Nicki (pictured right, with her training and running partner, Rachel Higgins), said: “Did always said that I never stuck at running. It’s now his strength and determination that he showed during his illness that keeps me going and I want to show him that I can do this. I think he’d be really proud of me. Did loved life so much, so I know that he would love what we’re doing.”
To support Nicki’s marathon efforts, please donate via her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Nicola-Hopkins16
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