My Story

Katy - This year I will be running the London Marathon for Brain Research UK… and pushing my Dad round the 26.2 mile course! 

Fortunately I have 3 others crazy enough to do it with me!
 
Every 90 seconds someone is admitted to hospital with a brain injury.
Back in 2011 my Dad, Tony, was hit by a car. He was unconscious at the scene and taken straight to Leeds General Infirmary, where they discovered he’d had a brain stem bleed.  
After several weeks in their Neuro Intensive Care Unit, we had confirmation that he had lasting brain damage, and the future was uncertain.
Months of treatment and rehab meant he could eventually come home, but we were told he would never walk again and possibly never speak, eat or drink.  Amongst other things, he acquired a condition called Ataxia, something there is still no treatment or cure for.
The care he received at Leeds NIU was incredible, as was the specialist neuro rehabilitation which meant that after a year he could eat and communicate verbally again.                                                                                                                                       
Brain Research UK fund lifesaving research along with research to reduce the impact of neurological conditions to help people live better and longer. It's so important their work can carry on to improve the outcomes for people who experience neurological conditions or injury. 
 
Before his accident my Dad was a keen runner and we got to run the Great North Run together twice. I’m so pleased we get to do this together.
 

David - It's beyond a pleasure to be supporting Katy and taking on the challenge of a marathon. Those who know me know I'm not for long distance running, but a little over a year after losing someone close to me, completing a marathon as part of this team, for a great cause, feels particularly timely and inspiring in the best way possible.

Alix - Doing a marathon always seemed like a step too much for me, but when Katy asked me to support her and her dad I couldn’t say no! Working with people who have experienced a traumatic brain injury in my day to day work means I appreciate the amazing work that charities such as Brain Research UK do and I’m proud to run and raise funds for them. 

Meg- Running a marathon is a daunting challenge, but knowing we’re making a difference for individuals who have been in a similar situation to Tony is truly motivating. I’m looking forward to coming together as a team and supporting each other every step of the way! 💪🏃‍♂️