London Marathon: Gloucestershire woman running in memory of friend

Megan Williams wanted to run and raise money in Lynne's memory

A woman whose life-long friend died after being diagnosed with a brain tumour is running the London Marathon.

Megan Williams, 25, from Chalford in Gloucestershire, will take on the challenge in memory of Lynne Adams who died in June, and to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.

She said: "Lynne was like family to me and I'd always be around her house.

"I want to highlight the fact that brain tumours can devastate lives and I want to be part of the solution."

Ms Adam's glioblastoma diagnosis came after she suffered seizures and spells of dizziness just one year after she retired as a librarian and cover supply teacher at Marling School in Stroud.

Miss Williams is hoping that the run on Sunday 21 April will raise £3,500 for the charity to help find a cure for all types of brain tumours.

She said: "I have fond memories of visiting Lynne when she moved into a care home, where she spent the last six months of her short battle with the illness.

"On my visits I'd always take along working cocker Woody and cockapoo Wilma, who always made her smile."

Miss Williams only took up running 18 months ago after getting into her local parkruns

Miss Williams said she ran her first 5km after watching the London Marathon in 2022 and that inspired her to join a parkrun.

"I didn't tell anyone I had a place in the London Marathon straight way and I took part in the Bath Half in October last year as a step up from 5km," she said.

"It felt like less pressure not telling anyone. Sadly Lynne died before I could tell her."

Carol Robertson, national events manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: "With one in three people knowing someone affected by a brain tumour, Lynne's story is, sadly, not unique.

"In the UK, 16,000 people each year are diagnosed with a brain tumour, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

"Brain Tumour Research are 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 Megan's support and will be there to cheer her across the finish line in April."