Why is Rebecca John running 12 half marathons?

Rebecca John is running 12 half marathons throughout 2026 to raise money for Brain Tumour Research, inspired by her brother and friend's diagnoses.

What type of brain tumor did Rebecca John's brother and friend have?

Rebecca John's brother and friend were diagnosed with meningiomas, which are the most common type of adult primary brain tumor.

What are the common symptoms of brain tumors?

Symptoms of brain tumors can include headaches, tinnitus, memory loss, seizures, and weakness of limbs, which can be generic and hard for GPs to identify.

Home / Health / Woman Runs 12 Half Marathons for Brain Tumor Charity

Woman Runs 12 Half Marathons for Brain Tumor Charity

27 Jan

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Summary

Rebecca John runs 12 half marathons to fund brain tumor research.
Her brother and friend were diagnosed with meningioma brain tumors.
Diagnosis can be difficult due to generic, non-specific symptoms.

Woman Runs 12 Half Marathons for Brain Tumor Charity

Rebecca John has embarked on an inspiring endeavor, committing to run a half marathon every month throughout 2026 to support Brain Tumour Research. This significant challenge is motivated by her brother, Richard Morris, and a friend who were both diagnosed with meningiomas, a common type of primary brain tumor, in 2023 and 2025 respectively. John completed her first of twelve races on Sunday, January 26, 2026, and has already raised over £1,000 toward her target.

John shared that her brother's diagnosis came after years of experiencing tinnitus, necessitating emergency surgery. Fortunately, he has since recovered well. Her friend's tumor was detected earlier, and she is currently on a watch-and-wait list, with scans showing no growth. Dr. Karen Noble from Brain Tumour Research notes that brain tumor symptoms, such as headaches and memory loss, can be generic, often requiring multiple GP visits before diagnosis.