Mum with brain tumour who has only ever ‘run for a bus’ to run charity 10k

A brain tumour patient who has only ever “run for a bus” is preparing for a 10k run to raise vital funds for research into the disease.

Elisa Wales, aged 34, from Clapham, will be taking part in the Battersea Park 10k run on April 1 to raise money for the charity Brain Tumour Research.

The management consultant said: “I generally avoid sporting activities and have only ever run for a bus so this will be some April Fool’s Day.”

Her motivation for taking part comes following her diagnosis of a glioblastoma (GBM) in December 2019. It was discovered after she started suffering with seizures when her daughter was just eight weeks old.

The 34-year-old underwent surgery 10 days later. She then had six weeks of combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy, followed by a further 12 months of chemo.

Elisa said: “Recovering from surgery and the following six weeks of chemo-radiotherapy were very challenging but I was very lucky to be supported by family, friends and the incredible teams at King’s College Hospital and Guy’s Cancer Centre. I managed to live with the 12 months of chemo a bit better.”

Her tumour, with IDH mutation, was later reclassified by the World Health Organisation as a grade 4 astrocytoma. She is now being monitored with four-monthly scans.

She said: “I kept fit through classes before I had my daughter, but chemo, COVID and exercise don’t really mix. Over New Year I decided I wanted to have a goal to aim towards to improve my fitness and my husband encouraged me to sign up for a 10k.

“I’m really lucky to live right by Clapham Common, which makes training easier. I ran 5k last weekend so I hope I’m on track. I’m excited about finishing and getting a 10k under my belt.”

She added: “Brain cancer wasn’t something I was aware of previously. I got regular cervical smears and mole checks, and I’ve had friends and family with breast cancer, but I didn’t realise brain tumours could be cancerous.

“Treatments for brain tumours are brutal and the statistics surrounding them are terrifying, which is why greater investment in research is vital.

“Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet, historically, just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to disease.” 

Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “We were saddened to learn about everything Elisa has gone through. Sadly, with one in three people knowing someone affected by a brain tumour, her story is not unique. We’re really grateful to her for taking on this challenge for us and wish her the best of luck on the day. Together we will find a cure.” 

To support Elisa’s fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/elisa10k.

Pictured top: Elisa Wales training for the Battersea Park 10k for Brain Tumour Research in February 2023 (Picture: Brain Tumour Research)