A MOTHER-OF-TWO from Taunton has run the TCS London Marathon in memory of two friends who died from brain cancer just a year apart.
Leanne Cooper, who lives in Taunton, completed Sunday’s 26.2-mile race in 4:34:55, despite missing weeks of training due to a chest infection.
Her inspiration came from childhood friend Charlotte Hobbs and fellow Taunton Vale hockey player, Katherine Rutherford, both of whom died from aggressive brain cancer.
Mother-of-two Charlotte – the inspiration for the Brain Tumour Research Fundraising Group, One for the Road, lived in Penarth.
In October 2020, she suffered a relapse after her initial diagnosis with a grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma in 2010.
Despite enduring gruelling chemotherapy, the detective sergeant died in March 2022 aged 42.
Katharine, known to friends as Coops, had not long turned 40 when she was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) in May 2021.
The Ashfords LLP solicitor from Taunton, had an operation but died three months later before she could start further treatment. She left behind three children under eight.
Leanne used her ballot place to fundraise for the charity Brain Tumour Research.
The 44-year-old said: “Having lost two friends to brain cancer has been hard. They were both in their 40s and had young families.
“I had to use this opportunity to raise awareness of the lack of funding that goes towards researching the disease.”
Sunday was the second time Leanne has taken on the iconic 26.2 mile race after completing the course 16 years ago in 2008.
Leanne, who works as a communications officer for local government, said: “The last six miles of the race were tough, but I pushed through.
Charlotte and Coops went through so much after their brain tumour diagnosis, I knew I had to finish it for them.
“I had a lovely message from Jane, Charlotte’s mum and Coops’ sister, Sarah sent me a message of congratulations along with a donation after I completed the race.
“Everyone has been so generous. I’m nursing sore legs but that’s nothing compared to what brain tumour patients might experience.”
Carol Robertson, national events manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “Leanne did a fantastic run on Sunday, despite her setbacks, and she has raised an amazing amount of money to help fund vital research. We’re so grateful for her support.
“Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet, historically, just 1 per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Together we will find a cure.”
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK.
It also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.
The charity is the driving force behind the call for a national annual spend of £35 million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia.
To donate to Brain Tumour Research via Leanne’s challenge, please visit www.justgiving.com/page/leannecooper
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