The Brain & Spine Foundation

Our London Marathon Challenge

Karen Menis & Angela Best

Karen Menis & Angela Best

My Story

Our story

Our friendship has blossomed through a love of running.  Regular weekly runs became an opportunity for mutual support and aptly became referred to as our 'therapy runs'.  As the end of 2023 unfolded, we soon discovered the impact that neurological conditions can have on those closest to us.

Karen

In December 2023, whilst visiting at Christmas, my brother suffered a stroke, followed by the discovery of a brain tumour, leaving him with a long road to full recovery.  He was hospitalised away from his home in West Sussex and so I became involved in supporting his journey through rehabilitation in Plymouth.  Angela and our runs became on important part of my self-care as I supported my brother through this difficult time.

Angela

Last year a family friend was suddenly diagnosed with encephalitis, a life-threatening condition that causes inflammation of the brain.  Our friend and their family went through a long and complicated journey towards recovery. As friends on the side lines, we felt completely helpless, which is why helping this charity, both helps to raise awareness of brain and spine injuries, but also plays an essential role in helping families through their situation.

Why the Brain and Spine Foundation?

Through a shared experience of supporting friends and family facing different neurological injuries, we have set ourselves the challenge of raising funds to support the Brain and Spine Foundation by running the London Marathon 2025.

Their journey has highlighted the critical importance of neurological research, care and support.  The Brain and Spine Foundation provide a vital helpline and resource library to support both those neurologically affected and their families.  These resources provide an invaluable lifeline to those navigating their way along the pathway to recovery. 

Thank you for your donation.  

Every donation, big or small, makes a difference!

 

264%

Funded

  • Target
    £2,000
  • Raised so far
    £5,280
  • Number of donors
    116

My Story

Our story

Our friendship has blossomed through a love of running.  Regular weekly runs became an opportunity for mutual support and aptly became referred to as our 'therapy runs'.  As the end of 2023 unfolded, we soon discovered the impact that neurological conditions can have on those closest to us.

Karen

In December 2023, whilst visiting at Christmas, my brother suffered a stroke, followed by the discovery of a brain tumour, leaving him with a long road to full recovery.  He was hospitalised away from his home in West Sussex and so I became involved in supporting his journey through rehabilitation in Plymouth.  Angela and our runs became on important part of my self-care as I supported my brother through this difficult time.

Angela

Last year a family friend was suddenly diagnosed with encephalitis, a life-threatening condition that causes inflammation of the brain.  Our friend and their family went through a long and complicated journey towards recovery. As friends on the side lines, we felt completely helpless, which is why helping this charity, both helps to raise awareness of brain and spine injuries, but also plays an essential role in helping families through their situation.

Why the Brain and Spine Foundation?

Through a shared experience of supporting friends and family facing different neurological injuries, we have set ourselves the challenge of raising funds to support the Brain and Spine Foundation by running the London Marathon 2025.

Their journey has highlighted the critical importance of neurological research, care and support.  The Brain and Spine Foundation provide a vital helpline and resource library to support both those neurologically affected and their families.  These resources provide an invaluable lifeline to those navigating their way along the pathway to recovery. 

Thank you for your donation.  

Every donation, big or small, makes a difference!