A SOLIHULL man who swore never to run the London Marathon again has got his running shoes on ready to take on the challenge again.
Mark Simpson will be taking on the iconic 26.2-mile course on April 26 in memory of his brother-in-law’s father, Frank ‘Giff’ Ashton, who died in 2023 in aid of the Brain Tumour Research.
Mark said: “After running the London Marathon in 2014, I swore I’d never do it again because it completely destroyed me.
“But that changed when Giff, my brother-in-law Paul’s father and a true role model to me, passed away. I always admired his dedication to his family, he spoke so highly of his wife, Carol, his sons, and his grandchildren.
“That’s the kind of person I aspire to be with my own children. He was such a warm and welcoming man, always showing genuine interest in our family and whatever we were up to. His diagnosis was a huge shock, and his passing had a profound effect on all of us.”
Giff, a former sheet metal worker, had trouble lifting the front of his foot, which led to further leg problems.
An MRI at Kettering General Hospital discovered a mass in his brain which was later diagnosed as a glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable brain tumour.
Giff underwent surgery in Oxford to remove the tumour, but doctors gave him a prognosis of just three to nine months.
Giff died in July 2023 at the age of 73, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, four sons, and eight grandchildren.
Mark has been putting in the hard work to prepare for the upcoming marathon, building both his physical endurance and mental resilience.
His wife, Amy, and sons, Elijah and Daniel, are looking forward to meeting him at the finish line.
The 44-year-old said: “Although it’s been 11 years since I last ran a marathon, I remember how it mentally crushed me last time, and I didn’t run for a whole year afterward
“Back then, I was younger and naive about the challenge. Now, I have a stronger mindset and the motivation to complete this one in Giff’s memory. Being part of the Brain Tumour Research WhatsApp group has been amazing for sharing tips and supporting each other.
“Lee, one of the running coaches, helped me create a solid training plan, so I feel ready to beat my previous time and raise funds for this important cause. If Giff were here to see it, I’m sure he’d be chuffed with what I’m doing, and it would probably bring a tear to his eye.”
Giff’s brain tumour, a glioblastoma, is the most common type of primary high-grade brain tumour in adults, with a devastating prognosis of just 12-18 months. There are more than 100 different types of brain tumour, making them notoriously difficult to treat effectively.
Carol Robertson, national events manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Mark’s commitment to running the London Marathon in memory of Giff is truly inspiring. It’s incredibly moving to see people like him, who are personally impacted by the devastating effects of brain tumours, take action to raise both awareness and vital funds for research.”
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.
For more or to donate to Mark’s London Marathon fundraiser, click here.
