A mother from Clwyd, North Wales, is gearing up to run the TCS London Marathon – raising awareness and funds for Brain Tumour Research.
Claire Cullingford, 37, will be running the 26.2-mile course in April, her second time taking on the challenge after completing it in 2013. She’s running in honour of her dad’s best friend, Kev Hayward (pictured below right with Claire's dad, Dave Linney), who was diagnosed with an insular glioma tumour in May 2024. She said: “Kev has been like family to us for more than a decade.
“His diagnosis was a shock, and seeing what he’s endured has been heartbreaking. My dad has been by Kev’s side throughout, helping with appointments and adjusting to life after surgery. Running the marathon for Brain Tumour Research is my way of supporting Kev.”
Claire has always had a passion for running, despite juggling three young children. Aged one, seven, and nine, her kids will be with her husband, Royal Navy pilot Richard, cheering her on from the sidelines. She’s determined to train and complete the marathon, after a decade of applying for a place.
She said: “With three kids and a hectic home life, it’s another challenge just to find the time for training, but I’m determined to make it work. I’ve already started preparing with ‘buggy runs’ and completing a half-marathon in November.
“My goal is to finish the course in under four-and-a-half hours, and to raise £2,000.”
If you have been inspired by Claire’s dedication and resolve, donate to us via her GiveWheel page or get involved and fundraise yourself.
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Published Thursday 9th January 2025.