A West Sussex man is preparing to run a half marathon to help raise vital funds for research into the disease that took his much-loved grandmother’s life.
James Sicilia, of Burgess Hill, will be taking part in the Brighton Half Marathon on Sunday 25th February in aid of Brain Tumour Research.
The 28-year-old software developer, who has not previously run more than 10km, said: “Over the years, I’ve had an on-and-off relationship with running, probably more off than on, so after a recommendation from my friend Callum, I decided to sign up to the Brighton Half as a way of ensuring I didn’t let it slip.
“When I first started training last April, I began increasing my kilometres each week and it’s been really nice to see the difference it’s made, both mentally and physically.”
James’ inspiration comes from his grandmother, Brenda Thorne (pictured above with her three children), who died of a brain tumour in November 2015.
Brenda was diagnosed with a low-grade meningioma in May 2009 after suffering seizures. Despite multiple surgeries and radiotherapy, she died six and a half years later, aged 71.
James said: “I’d give anything to spend more time with my grandmother. She was like a best friend to me so raising money to support research into this disease, to try and give others as much time as possible with their loved ones, means a lot and I know she would be proud of me for doing it.”
To support James’ fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/page/james-sicilia-1698775009166.
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