North Yorkshire teenager takes on London Marathon in memory of his Dad

A North Yorkshire teenager is running the London Marathon in memory of his dad who died from a brain tumour.

Damian Colman-Chadwick, 49, died from a glioblastoma (GBM) five years ago. His son, Rafe, 18, from Harrogate, will be one of the youngest runners taking on the iconic 26.2-mile race in aid of the charity Brain Tumour Research.

He said: “When Dad was diagnosed, he was told by doctors he had six months to live, yet he cracked on with life with a smile on his face, because he knew the most important thing he could do, was to be there for me as my dad, despite the circumstances we were in. He lived for two years, far longer than what the doctors anticipated.

“To leave this world at 49, and to leave your son at 12, is something no parent should have to face. Without Dad, I have had to learn how to shave (with the help of my friends) and learn how to fit back into the environment of everyday life. It has certainly had its challenges. There still isn’t a day I don’t think about his death. Yet, no challenge is harder than knowing you will not be able to watch your child grow old. And this is something I have come to realise with time.”

Rafe said: "I am incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported me by donating to Brain Tumour Research. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. Just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this disease. I’m doing this in memory of my dad with the hope of making a positive impact on the lives of other patients and their families."

"An inspiration to us all"

Carol Robertson, national events manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “At 18 years old, Rafe will be one of the youngest runners at this years’ London Marathon. He is such an inspiration to us all."

“With one in three people knowing someone affected by a brain tumour, Damian’s story is, sadly, not unique. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002.

“We’re determined to change that but it’s only by working together we will be able to improve treatment options for patients and, ultimately, a cure. We’re really grateful for Rafe’s support and will be there to cheer him across the finish line on Sunday.”

To support Rafe’s fundraising, visit: justgiving.com/page/raferunningfordad

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