Tina Smith, 54, from South Woodford, was inspired to take part after her daughter Connie Campbell was diagnosed with a grade 4 medulloblastoma in 2022.
Connie was just 11 when she began experiencing headaches and sickness after a visit to Thorpe Park during the August bank holiday.
Tina and Connie the day before they went to Thorpe Park (Image: Brain Tumour Research)
Tina, who works as a PA, said: “It was two days later that she started being sick, which seems too much of a coincidence for the two things not to be related.
“I suspect the rides dislodged her tumour and, if that’s the case, I’m glad because I was told we found it at a good time, before it spread to her spine.”
Connie Campbell doing crafts during infusion (Image: Brain Tumour Research)
Connie underwent brain surgery in October 2022, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Now aged 13, the impact of her treatment and diagnosis has resulted in the Year 9 pupil appearing younger than her actual age and not hitting growth milestones compared to her peers.
After deferring her 2024 place due to a knee injury, Tina is now training to complete the London Marathon on April 27 to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.
Connie Campbell and brother Albie meeting Lewis Hamilton (Image: Brain Tumour Research)
She said: “My family can’t quite believe that I’m going to be running a marathon, they are very proud.
“I’d never considered doing one until recent years when I watched runners in London and with Connie’s diagnosis, the time feels right.”
Tina will be joined by her friend, Lucy Bradley, 48, also from Woodford.
So far, they have raised more than £2,000.
Tina continued: “There’s so much that’s unknown about brain tumours and treatment is often invasive and harsh for patients, especially children.
“To answer the questions we have, such as what caused the brain tumour, how do we stop the cancer, and what other treatments are there, I’m going to run the London Marathon to raise awareness and much-needed funds to find these answers.”