Marathon Run

Not particularly RAC related but something we are really proud of is that Keira and Tamsin in our office are both running marathons in the next few weeks in aid of their nominated charities. More information opposite, including links and details of how to donate. So much hard work has gone into their preparations that we want to support them as much as we can and hope you will too.

Keira's Story

My brother Damian was diagnosed on the day of the London Marathon 2017 with what the consultants described as a ‘substantial mass’ on his brain. We were incredibly close and as his little sister I stayed by his side following his lead in case the mass was something sinister…sadly it was. It was a highly aggressive Brain Tumour which was life limiting and Damian was to undergo TWO Brain surgeries within six weeks to Debulk the tumour and then sadly to clear a brain infection he had also developed.
My amazing brother Damian, hardworking, full of life….who loved his children and family immensely, was able to give myself and those closest to him instruction in case things didn’t go to plan, how we were to be there for his wife and his young children in the chance of he may not be able to make his own decisions or worse in the event of his death. We expected to have at least a few years making memories and planning but that didn’t happen. Damian passed away suddenly aged 45 years following complications associated with the brain cancer on the 3rd of September 2017…18 weeks from the day of diagnosis.
So, as a distraction from grief and to remain positive for my brothers memory, his children, our family and my own children….fate was to offer myself a chance to run this year’s London Marathon alongside my brother’s wife Lisa.
Not only has this inspired us to keep his memory alive, we have set up an appeal in his name, raising funds for diseases and injury associated with the brain. We want to keep him with us always and to give our children a positive experience in this horrendous cycle of grief….we will run the London Marathon this year a year to the day of his diagnosis and make him, our families and children proud.

If you wish to read our story further please read our just giving link below:

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/damoburnley

Tamsin's Story

I started running with Keira as her training partner after she received a place for the London Marathon, to raise money in memory of her brother who tragically died from a brain tumour last year. I later signed up the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon to raise money for Cancer Research which is a charity close to my heart. Steve Greenbank the founder of Practical Refrigeration Training Centre and Pendle Refrigeration Wholesale was my Grandad and although he was a fighter, he sadly lost his battle with cancer a few years ago. I’ve previously only run a 10k race before so training to finish 26.2 miles has been a tough challenge but I want to do as much as possible to raise money and help beat this terrible disease. Every contribution is truly appreciated and if you would like to sponsor me or read more on my story please go to:

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tamsin-greenbank