Man runs London Marathon in memory of best friend

A man from Kent is running the London Marathon in memory of his best friend who took his own life 10 years ago.

Rob Brady, from Dover, will be running in memory of his friend Chris Quenby,

Since his death Brady has spoken in schools about mental health and will be fundraising for East Kent Mind at the London Marathon.

"Every step I run with Chris in my heart," Brady said. "This isn't just about fundraising; it's about keeping his memory alive, encouraging open conversations, and reminding people they're never alone."

This year, Brady said he would take on three challenges in Quenby's honour - they are the London Marathon, Endure24- a 24-hour race of 8km loops, and a five-day ultra-distance challenge along the Pembrokeshire coastline.

"You have to have a purpose when it comes to doing long distance," he said. "Every challenge is taken on in Chris' spirit.

"Every run, I've run with a photo of him in my pocket so every time I just get it out or I've listened to certain tracks, and that's how I've stayed motivated."

Through the London Marathon and other challenges, Brady is aiming to raise £10k in total for mental health charities this year.

"Chris had a huge spirit," he said.

"His loss left a space that never fully closes, but also a responsibility to ensure he's never forgotten and that his impact lives on."

Jack Bailey, from Dartford, is running the London Marathon in support of his father John who was diagnosed with a brain tumour after returning from a summer holiday.

John Bailey, 62, from Swanley, was diagnosed with a haemangioblastoma after collapsing at home in July 2023, and was told he would die unless the tumour was removed.

The 31-year-old will be raising money for Brain Tumour Research (BTR), which funds research to find better treatments and improve outcomes for patients facing this type of incurable brain cancer.

"This is so important for me to do because this disease doesn't discriminate, it affects people of all ages," he said.

"Dad's brain tumour nearly killed him, so we feel very lucky to still have him with us."

John Bailey had returned from a holiday in Lanzrote feeling unwell and collapsed one morning and fell down some stairs, breaking his ribs and hitting his head on the banister.

Upon being taken to Darent Valley Hospital, an MRI scan revealed the tumour, and he was transferred to King's College Hospital where he underwent a 12-hour life-saving operation.

Jack Bailey said: "It was very scary to see Dad in that state because he does everything himself. He just gets on with things and doesn't complain so it was really upsetting."

After removing 99% of the tumour, he has now relearned how to walk and use his hands, and returned to work in April 2024.

According to BTR, brain tumours kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer, yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.

Carol Robertson, national events manager at BTR, described Jack Bailey's determination to run the London Marathon as "truly inspiring".

Robertson said: "We are incredibly grateful to Jack for turning his experience into action and helping us raise vital funds and awareness as we work towards finding a cure.

"Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer and stories like John's highlight why greater investment in research is so urgently needed."

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