Woman to run London marathon in memory of grandfather

Jessica Ferreira, 27, who lives in Black Dam and is a member of Hatch Warren runners, will be running the London Marathon this April after applying and receiving a ballot entry, meaning Jessica does not have to raise money for charity when running.

That said, she is still raising money for Brain Tumour Research in memory of her grandfather, Jose Antonio Vieira.

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Jose had a seizure in 2020 and was diagnosed with 12 brain tumours in July 2020.

Following an operation which was followed by an induced coma, he had to start from scratch again, learning to walk, talk and eat.

The whole ordeal took place during the Covid-19 pandemic, meaning Jose' family was not able to see him regularly following the operation and treatment after. Sadly, he died following a cardiac arrest in June 2021, aged 74.

Jessica is running for Brain Tumour Research to raise awareness for brain tumours and to highlight the issues of one of the biggest killers in the UK.

Jessica Ferreira and Jessica's grandfather (Image: Jessica Ferreira, Canva)

She began her training in January and is currently on week seven of her training plan.

Jessica said: "I applied for a ballot place for the first time after attending the marathon to support friends running for other causes, and I was lucky enough to get a place at the first time of trying.

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"Although I do not need to raise money necessarily, I want to and love that I am doing it for my grandfather.

"The training is brutal and everything hurts all the time, but I have the motivation and purpose to continue knowing why and who I am running it for. I would love to raise as much money as possible for a fantastic cause.

"I'm looking forward to the big day and am determined to do myself, my family and my grandfather proud. If you can sponsor and support me in my goal, I am so grateful for your support."

The London Marathon has become an annual, inspiring and colourful fixture in the world’s sporting calendar since the inaugural race on 29 March 1981.

Over the years more than a million people have completed the 26.2-mile course, which runs from Blackheath to The Mall, with a spectacular finish in front of Buckingham Palace, showcasing the very best that the capital city has to offer.

To support Jessica online visit 2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jessica-ferreira.