A RUNNER is preparing to tackle the London Marathon in memory of his late mother and to raise cash for charity.
Ben Fuller, 50, is taking on the gruelling challenge as a tribute to mum June.
Former secondary school teacher June, from Cold Norton, was diagnosed with a low-grade brain tumour in September 1985 when Ben was just 12.
The mum-of-three was taken for a CT scan after collapsing in the street.
June required two further operations over the next 14 years, as well as radiotherapy, but the tumour grew and she died in 1999, aged 61.
Prior to her death, June had written a regular column for the Maldon and Burnham Standard.
Ben started running eight years ago after wife Lara suggested doing Couch to 5K in a bid to improve their fitness.
He has completed half-marathons and completed the virtual TCS London Marathon two years ago.
He is now set to run the world-famous 26.2 mile London Marathon on Sunday, April 21, in aid of Brain Tumour Research.
He said: “We knew something was wrong with Mum for a long time because she was experiencing headaches and depression, but it was only after she was referred for a CT scan that her grapefruit-size tumour was discovered.
“I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been able to enjoy another 14 years with her following her initial diagnosis, but eventually the brain tumour got the better of her.
“It’s so important we increase investment in brain tumour research and that we do what we can to raise awareness of this type of cancer because it’s still not well understood or talked about.”
Ben has joined Hitchin Running Club, near where he now lives in Hertfordshire, to boost the frequency of his runs and is following a training plan set out by Brain Tumour Research running coach Lee Perry.
Ben said: “London’s such an iconic race that if you’re ever going to run a marathon, that’s the one to do”.
Carol Robertson, national events manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re really grateful to Ben for taking on this huge challenge for us and look forward to cheering him across the finish line in April.
"Together we will find a cure.”
To support Ben’s fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bfuller.
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