My Story

I am running the 2024 London Marathon for Brain Research UK.

In July 2022, my grandad, Professor David Richardson, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma. Faced with this adversity, he decided to undergo urgent surgery to extend his time pursuing what he loved: spending time with family, reading, and continuing his lifelong research into the slave trade. His research was intricately tied to his eyesight and cognitive abilities, transcending the typical demands that most of us experience. By primarily affecting his sight, the tumour rapidly limited his productivity and ability to enjoy his passions.

My grandad was the UK’s leading expert on the British slave trade and, notably, played a pivotal role in the transformative digital project, "The Transatlantic Slave Trade Database," (www.slavevoyages.org), and was a co-founder and first director of the Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation (WISE) in Hull.  He was also a collaborator, persuading Archbishop Desmond Tutu to become WISE’s first patron.

When I decided to register for the London Marathon and choose a charity to support, I felt it fitting to align with an organisation committed to research for a disease that took my grandad’s life far too soon. At that time, my grandad was still with us, and, having spent a life in research, was very vocal about using his condition to assist in furthering brain research wherever possible.

On 26 July 2023, sadly my grandad passed away. I never recognised that he wouldn't be here to witness my marathon training and success. While it might seem optimistic of me to have expected his presence, having undergone in good humour surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, he was always optimistic and determined to fight.  The medical reports were encouraging, fostering hope that the treatments were extending his life. His unwavering positivity and determination to persevere were infectious. It wasn't until the final week or two before his passing that his condition took a sudden downturn, causing everyone grave concern.  Even then, he remained his usual jolly self and, thankfully, he was aware of my determination to run the London Marathon in support of Brain Research UK.  Although he was losing his battle, he felt such collaboration with this noble, research-oriented cause was totally appropriate, and in his final days he expressed a wish for no flowers, memorials, or ceremonies but, rather, suggested that those wishing to remember him should donate to support the work Brain Research UK.  Your contribution to commemorate him will be profoundly meaningful in so many ways.

Brain Research UK stands as the United Kingdom's foremost national funding entity dedicated to neurological research. Their funding drives essential research aimed at enhancing comprehension, diagnosis, treatment, and the prevention of neurological conditions. These aid individuals grappling with these conditions to live more fulfilling, extended lives. Their current funding is concentrated in three critical research areas: brain tumours, brain and spinal cord injuries, and headache and facial pain. Unfortunately, these are areas where patient needs far exceed current funding levels. By focusing their efforts on these, they can make a more substantial impact and allocate more resources to research. In turn, this reduces the anguish faced by individuals and their families who are affected by brain tumours or other brain-related conditions.

Your support will empower me to make a tangible difference to those like my grandad that have so much to give but fall victim to a devastating illness that still requires more funding to ensure better UK treatments, trials and ongoing research. You support will assist in ensuring that Brain Research UK can indeed continue to fund transformative research and, ultimately, enhance the lives of those confronting these neurological conditions. Your generosity offers hope to those in need, enabling them to experience better and longer lives.

Thank you!