"Choosing to suffer is a privilege." Over the last couple of months I have got to know (via WhatsApp) an amazing and inspiring group of people – all those who, like me, will be running this year’s London Marathon to raise money for Brain Tumour Research. Some have been running for a while, others had never run before deciding to take on this challenge. What we all have in common is that our lives have in some way been touched by brain tumours. We have all shared our stories – our “Whys” as we call them - the reasons why we are doing this. The stories are heart-breaking. Some have lost their partners, others have lost brothers or sisters, best friends, parents, even children. In my case, I am running in memory of my mum, who I lost 25 years ago. For many in our group though, the painful losses are much more raw. Yesterday I was thinking in particular of Karl, whose wife Jo was diagnosed with an incurable stage 4 glioblastoma in 2022. Jo very recently passed away and yesterday her funeral took place. Karl got out the door first thing in the morning for a 10k training run before going on to deal with the main business of the day. There is a phrase that has become a bit of a slogan amongst our group, and I think it was Karl who first coined it: choosing to suffer is a privilege. When we’re out there training – in all weathers – and it’s feeling tough – tired legs, aching knees etc, we think about our Whys. They had no choice in the suffering they endured. We are choosing to suffer by training for and ultimately running an endurance race. And the fact we can make that choice is a privilege that we have to be thankful for. We are all determined to raise as much as can for brain tumour research, in memory of our loved ones. This is one of the least well funded areas of cancer research and brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. My fundraising page, for anyone feeling so inclined, is https://lnkd.in/gFaxJuAJ I am enormously grateful for every single sponsorship received, however small. #marathon #london #braintumourresearch #running #charity
Ben Fuller
5mo
Had to dig quite deep into the well of grit and determination in today's 20-mile training run (the 'Oakley 20' race) - but I reminded myself on a few occasions that being able to choose to suffer is a privilege. Job done! 👌 4 weeks from today - that much again plus an extra 6.2 miles on top. How hard can it be?! 😬 #LondonMarathon #LM24
Helen Jones FCCT
4mo
You are an inspiration too Ben.
Clare Bridgwater
6mo
Go Ben! Do this for your mum & the charity that is working hard to find a cure!
Lead Assessment Adviser at HFL Education
6moMany many thanks to all those of you who have donated since I posted this. I am enormously grateful to you all. x