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A BERKSHIRE man is running the TCS London Marathon in memory of his best friend who died from a cancerous brain tumour.
Olly Smith, 20, from Sandhurst, will take on the 26.2 mile course in April in memory of Ethan Treharne, who was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in 2019.
The race will complete Olly’s trifecta of The London Classics, a mass participation event requiring participants to finish the Swim Serpentine and RideLondon events, which he completed last year.
He will be awarded two medals upon finishing the London Marathon, with funds going to Brain Tumour Research.
Olly said: “I first met Ethan when we were four years old, playing grassroots football every Saturday in the same team.
“We then went to Sandhurst School together and were in the same classes and friendship group, so that bond got even stronger.
“He was really good at everything, especially football, and was even a goalkeeper for Aldershot Academy.
“It’s my favourite memory, playing football with him every week.
“He was the kindest, most genuine person who would do anything to make you laugh and always made time for you.
“He was one of the boys, and I miss hanging out with him.”
Ethan, a rising sports enthusiast from Sandhurst, experienced severe headaches and slurred speech, which led to an MRI scan at Frimley Park Hospital in Camberley.
The scan revealed a 4cm tumour on his right frontal lobe, with a later biopsy confirming it as an aggressive and incurable brain tumour.
Over two years, he underwent three operations and developed epilepsy due to treatment.
Desperate to save their son, Ethan’s parents, Nikki and Justin, pursued treatment trials in Germany and London, but the tumour was relentless, and Ethan died at home, aged 17, surrounded by his loved ones.
His family continues to keep his legacy alive though their Fundraising Group, A New Hope for Ethan.
Brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to the disease since records began in 2002.
Olly continued: “A group of us were in a competitive football game at the time, which was fitting as that was Ethan’s biggest passion, when the coach pulled us aside at the end of the match.
“He told us the awful news of his death, which took a moment to sink in.
“Although everyone was emotional, we dedicated our win to Ethan.
“It was such a tough moment to lose my best friend at 17.
“Being young, you can’t help but be naïve and think something like this won’t happen to you or anyone your age.
“But it taught me a valuable life lesson: no one is too young for these things to happen.”
Olly’s friendship group has been fundraising in Ethan’s memory, taking part in a group skydive and sponsored walks, which spurred him on to find a challenge he could participate in.
After contacting Ethan’s mum, Nikki, he was put in touch with the Brain Tumour Research events team and offered a place in this year’s London Marathon – the fifth marathon he’s completed in recent years.
He said: “I’ve run the Amsterdam Marathon three times and Valencia Marathon once, so I’m really looking forward to doing one closer to home.
“I can’t thank Nikki enough for introducing me to Carol at Brain Tumour Research and making this challenge possible.
“I’d love to complete it in under two hours and fifty minutes, but more than anything, I want to raise as much awareness and funds as possible for the charity in Ethan’s name.
“If he were here, he’d probably say I’m crazy but would also laugh and be fully supportive – that’s just who he was.”
Ethan’s brain tumour, a glioblastoma, is the most common type of primary malignant brain tumour in adults, with a survival time of just 12-18 months.
There are more than 100 different types of brain tumour, making them notoriously difficult to treat effectively.
Olly continued: “Ethan was a fighter, and if there was more well-funded research into brain tumours, maybe he’d still be here.
“That’s why this challenge means so much to me – it could help others from losing their best friends at such a young age.
“Three years on, the boys and his family are still continuing his amazing legacy, and we won’t stop until a cure is discovered.”
Carol Robertson, national events manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Olly’s determination and dedication to honour his friend Ethan’s memory is truly inspiring.
“By taking on this incredible challenge, he is not only raising vital funds but also helping to shine a light on the devastating impact of brain tumours on young people.
“We are so grateful for his support and look forward to cheering him on at the marathon.”
To support Olly’s London Marathon fundraiser, visit: justgiving.com and search for Oliver Smith London Marathon
For more information, visit: braintumourresearch.org and tcslondonmarathon.com
