A FATHER of two from Alvechurch will honour a friend who is living with incurable brain cancer by challenging himself to his first ever marathon.
Jonathan Oseland, aged 38, will compete in the Virgin Money London Marathon and in the process, raise money for Brain Tumour Research charity.
Every step of the way he will be thinking of his friend Katie Smith, aged 33, who is currently undergoing her fifth round of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with a devastating tumour.
“I’ve been greatly inspired by the determination Katie has show in the past few years and for all she has done to raise awareness of brain tumours.
“I was shocked to find out historically just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.”
Katie lives with the knowledge that she may never see her one-year-old son Eli grow up.
But despite this, she has found the courage to set up a fundraising group, ‘Brainstorm’, with her husband Luke.
The couple are dedicating 2019 to fundraising for the cause, which is under the umbrella of Brain Tumour Research, and already have a number of events planned – including a celebrity hat auction.
Jonathan said: “It’s fantastic what they’re doing. I went to school with Luke and I just want to help in any way I can.
“I’m both nervous and excited to do the marathon and I feel very privileged to be participating in such an iconic sporting event.
“Training is going well and I’m gradually increasing my distance.”
To sponsor Jonathan and help him reach his goal of £3,000 before the event on April 28, visit www.justgiving.com and key in ‘jonathan oseland1’.
