A Welwyn Garden City woman is set to run the London Marathon to raise awareness for brain cancer research after her brother passed away from the illness this year.
Mary-Antonia Dare wanted to honour her brother, Dr Theo Dare, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma - a cancerous tumour that develops in the brain. Theo battled the illness for six months before his death.
Brain Research UK called Mary and asked her to be a part of the marathon in April 2023 and she has been training for it ever since.
Mary said: "I have started my training already. I purchased Chris Evans' book on how to train for a marathon in 119 days, that people swear by. I obviously have a lot of support from my friends and family.
"I work at North Hertfordshire College in Hitchin and they are very supportive, so is my brother's work, and my other brothers Paul and Peter Dare are very encouraging as well.
"Paul applied to run the marathon as well but he has not secured a place yet so I am the only one from my family, but he will be running from London to Brighton and doing other things to show support."
The 43-year-old mother believes that this is a good time to raise awareness for glioblastoma and for people to show support and donate.
Mary said: "I have also been involved in a research project for it with Parliament and Theo’s case study is going to be a part of that."
Speaking about 50-year-old Theo's passing, Mary said: "It was terrible and so traumatic. Theo was a scientist, and he was very kind and clever and very successful.
"He had been diagnosed with a brain tumor in March this year and he passed away in August. It has left a big hole in our family, and it has been very hard for us.
"But I know he would be so proud of me, and I know Theo will be there with me, willing me on and he will be happy that I am trying to raise money for such an underfunded part of cancer research."
To support Mary's fundaraiser, go to: https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/mary-antonia-taylor
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here