An Aberystwyth couple are tackling a half-marathon to help scientists find a cure for brain tumours.

Catrin Hughes, 22, and her partner Mathew Pemberthy, 28, are taking part in the Dublin Half Marathon to raise money and awareness for the charity Brain Tumour Research following the death of Catrin’s uncle, Dick O’Rafferty.

Dick, from Dublin, passed away 22 months after his diagnosis with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) – a highly aggressive type of tumour – in March 2019, aged 63.

He had undergone surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“My uncle’s diagnosis was a complete shock, as he hadn’t suffered from the typical symptoms I’d associate with brain tumours, such as headaches,” Catrin said.

“After receiving a terrible prognosis of just 18 months in September 2017, he went through gruelling treatment and took everything in his stride. It was hard to lose him so quickly.

“This year has been really tough as I also lost my grandma to another type of cancer the same week that my uncle passed away.

“I was saddened to learn that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet have historically received just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research.

“I decided to take part in the Dublin Half Marathon and fortunately Mathew was really supportive and jumped at the idea of joining me on the day."

To donate to Catrin and Mathew’s JustGiving page go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Catrin-Hughes23

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