SIBLING rivalry was set aside as a brother and sister ran the London Marathon in memory of their dad.
Olly and Beth George took to the capital’s streets during the hottest marathon on record and raised funds for Brain Tumour Reseach.
The pair initially aimed to raise £7,000 for the charity, which funds a network of research centres where scientists are focused on improving outcomes for patients and, ultimately, finding a cure, but even before they put a foot over the starting line, they had more than doubled the figure.
Their dad, Mark George, was diagnosed with an incurable grade four Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) brain tumour in 2016.
The 58-year-old has had two operations plus radiotherapy and chemotherapy to try to prevent the mass from growing.
They had signed up to take part in the event while their dad was undergoing treatment.
Fitness fanatic Solihull resident Olly said: “When we first entered the marathon we had great plans for dad to be there cheering us on but, sadly, his condition deteriorated and we lost him a lot earlier than we expected.
“We love and miss him every day and it was extremely challenging and emotional but I am sure he was there watching over us.”
Beth moved back to the family home when her dad was diagnosed to help with care and support.
The 24-year-old said: “I was absolutely terrified but thinking about dad and all of the other families who are going through what we have endured kept me going.
“Dad had to get through two rounds of brain surgery, all that treatment and the darkness that cancer brings so I thought the least I could do was run 26.2 miles”
The pair crossed the finish line together in 5 hours 41 minutes and 58 seconds.
Michael Thelwall, Head of Community Fundraising for Brain Tumour Research, said: “Beth and Olly showed the most incredible determination and commitment in memory of their father.
“For too long, brain tumours have been a neglected cancer.
“Experiences such as this family’s remind us all that we cannot allow this desperate situation to continue.
“We are extremely grateful to them and offer our congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s event to raise money for charity.”
For more visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/marksmatter
