In honour of her cousin battling brain cancer, a woman finished a half marathon.

Megan Anderton, from Norwich, completed the Great Barrow Challenge Half Marathon on August 3 to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.

Having previously only ever ran 5km, this was a significant achievement for Megan who finished the 13.1-mile race in two hours and 30 minutes.

Megan said: “I’m not a runner and previously only ever ran 5km so this was a huge deal.

Megan Anderton from Norwich completed the Great Barrow Challenge Half Marathon to raise money for Brain Tumour Research Megan Anderton from Norwich completed the Great Barrow Challenge Half Marathon to raise money for Brain Tumour Research (Image: Submitted)

"I went into the race with no expectations and just wanted to finish it.

"The whole experience was great, but I had to dig deep for the last few kilometres which I found tough.”

The inspiration behind Megan's endeavour is her 33-year-old cousin, Adam Dilley, diagnosed with a glioblastoma (brain tumour) in October 2021.

Suffering from severe headaches, jaw pain and blurred vision for several months, he was initially misdiagnosed with sinusitis.

Megan said: “Adam’s diagnosis shocked the whole family.

Adam underwent surgery at Addenbrookes in Cambridge in November 2021 followed by chemotherapy Adam underwent surgery at Addenbrookes in Cambridge in November 2021 followed by chemotherapy (Image: Submitted)

"I was aware of the disease, but until you have someone in your life who is living with it, you don’t think it’ll ever impact you.

"I’ve learnt that brain tumours are not rare, yet there seems to be a lack of awareness and research into the disease.”

The family has collectively raised thousands of pounds through various fundraising challenges and activities; from marathons to business endeavours.

Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Since Adam’s diagnosis, the family has been active in fundraising and campaigning for change and to help increase the funding into research the disease.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer (Image: Submitted)

"Adam has an incredible network of support around him including his cousin, Megan.

"Her half marathon efforts are brilliant, and we are grateful for her support.”

Brain Tumour Research campaigns for the government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours with the aim to improve survival rates and patient outcomes.