Fundraiser inspired to keep running by grandfather

A runner from Cornwall is preparing for the London Landmarks half marathon to honour her mother and grandfather who both had brain tumours.

Rio Corbett's grandfather Michael Jarrett died in 2018 after a late diagnosis of a glioblastoma, while her mother was diagnosed with a benign tumour 11 years ago.

Ms Corbett said of her grandfather, who she called Pap: "He is my driving force and the absolute power and the will to get out in the rain and will push me over the line at the end of the half marathon."

The 34-year-old from Penryn will run the 13 mile (21km) route, which starts on Whitehall and finishes by Trafalgar Square on 6 April.

Ms Corbett, who is fundraising for the Brain Tumour Charity, said: "Pap was the kindest, happiest, most thoughtful person ever, and always thought the absolute world of his family.

"We first noticed something was wrong when he started getting headaches consistently, and he lost the ability to do his crosswords, and enjoy horse racing – his favourites.

"Then he drove through a red light, which as a lorry driver was extremely unlike him."

Ms Corbett said despite her mother's tumour being benign it was "not without challenges".

Her training route takes her past Cornwall beauty spots and the harbour, castles and beaches around Falmouth and includes running three to four times a week since last April in all weathers.

She said she wanted to raise awareness of brain tumours and would also be holding a fundraising bingo night on 29 March at St Gluvias Cricket Club, Penryn.

" Pap is a big running inspiration to me – he ran marathons," she added.

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