Daughter’s diagnosis inspires mum’s marathon challenge

1 min read

A mum is preparing to take part in our Jog 26.2 Miles in May challenge after her 12-year-old daughter was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.

Grace Kelly was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) in August 2021, after a Specsavers optician noticed swelling behind her eyes during a regular check-up. She underwent an eight-hour operation, which removed around 80% of the tumour, followed by radiotherapy and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

Now her mum Vanessa is taking part in Jog 26.2 Miles in May and has shared Grace’s story to raise awareness of the disease. She is hoping to raise £200 on her Facebook fundraiser and you can support her efforts here.

Vanessa said: “I’m doing the Jog 26.2 challenge for Grace and for all of those affected by brain tumours. There is such a lack of funding, and we desperately need more treatments available.”

Vanessa’s challenge supporting Brain Tumour Research is alongside her family’s efforts to crowdfund £200,000 for Grace to access pioneering private treatment in Germany which is unavailable on the NHS.

She added: “I find it shocking and frustrating that these pioneering treatments are not available in the UK. There is something that might be able to help but we can’t access it.

“We are shocked that the standard of care for brain tumours has been the same for the last 20 years. It’s so distressing knowing there’s no cure for what Grace has, but we don’t want to give up.”

To support the family’s crowdfunding, click here.

There’s still time to sign up our Jog 26.2 Miles in May challenge! Join our friendly Facebook Group here and following the three simple steps to register.

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