A mum-of-two who is “not a natural runner” is embarking on a fundraising challenge to help progress research into brain tumours.
Natasha Sharma, from Isleworth in London, will be taking part in our Run 15 in February challenge, launched to celebrate our 15th anniversary year, which tasks participants with running either 15 miles, 15km or on 15 days throughout the month.
The 38-year-old, who plans to run 15km in four separate runs, has taken inspiration from Aman Sumal, whom she knew from school and was one of her husband Romy’s best friends.
Aman, a father-of-two from Ruislip, was diagnosed with a brain tumour after suffering a seizure and headaches in August 2020. Initially, it was thought he had a low-grade tumour, but following another seizure five months later, he underwent surgery and was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM), which has a prognosis of just 12 to 18 months.
Despite chemotherapy, radiotherapy and privately-funded treatments, Aman’s health deteriorated and he died in December 2021, aged 36.
Natasha said: “I went to school with Aman and Anoop, his identical twin brother, and I would be the one walking when we did cross country. I’m not a natural runner but I wanted to do something in honour of Aman.”
“What happened to Aman was a huge shock because he was such a loveable, friendly guy. He was also pretty healthy and I know now that doesn’t make a difference but I had always assumed this sort of thing happened to people who led unhealthy lifestyles. I didn’t realise it was indiscriminate and so completely random.
“I also didn’t know it was the biggest cancer killer of the under 40s, which is my age group and made Aman’s death even more unexpected.
“The support I’ve had so far makes me more determined than ever to complete the challenge and to raise as much money as possible. It’s really motivating.”
To support Natasha’s fundraising for Brain Tumour Research, visit www.facebook.com/donate/240921225693664.
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