Nephew takes on Plymouth’s mini marathon for uncle with terminal brain tumour

Richard Butterwick, a 39-year-old father from Plymouth, will run the 13.1-mile challenge in honour of his uncle – also named Richard Butterwick – who was diagnosed with an aggressive and incurable grade 4 glioblastoma at the end of 2024.

The devastating news came via a family WhatsApp group, turning the family's world upside down.

"I still can’t fully process it," said Richard. "Uncle Richard is one of the fittest, kindest people I know – a scientist, an avid cyclist, and always quick with a joke. He’s only 60, still full of life, and has a loving wife and three amazing children.

"Knowing that he’s facing something so cruel and unstoppable is heart-breaking. Running this marathon is the least I can do – to honour him and help fund research that could give families like ours hope in the future.”

Uncle Richard’s journey began with a facial muscle spasm while cycling with a friend. Within days, he was admitted to hospital and told he had a brain tumour. Two weeks later, he underwent an awake craniotomy to remove as much of the tumour as possible. The operation was successful, but the diagnosis – glioblastoma – was life-changing.

Now undergoing 24 weeks of chemotherapy following six weeks of combined chemo and radiotherapy, Richard remains in relatively good spirits and health, aside from fatigue and other treatment side effects.

“I am indebted to my incredible wife Sarah, our three children, and our amazing circle of friends," said Uncle Richard. "Their love and support have been everything. I’ve also been deeply grateful for the exceptional care I’ve received from the NHS. I never imagined I’d be in this position, but I’m not giving up. And seeing my nephew take on this marathon in my name – it means more than I can say.”

Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to this devastating disease.

Richard has already raised an incredible £5,000, which is enough to fund almost two days of vital research at one of Brain Tumour Research’s dedicated Centres of Excellence. This funding is a powerful contribution to the charity’s mission to improve outcomes and ultimately find a cure for this devastating disease. Every pound raised helps to sustain the momentum of groundbreaking scientific work and brings hope to thousands of families affected by brain tumours.

Louise Aubrey, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re incredibly moved by Richard’s story and the determination of his nephew to support our mission. Brain tumours are indiscriminate, and the lack of funding for research is shocking. Every step Richard takes in the Plymouth Half Marathon brings us closer to a cure. We’re so grateful for his support – he’s running for hope, for awareness, and for every family touched by this disease.”

Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure. The charity is the driving force behind the call for a national annual spend of £35 million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia.

To support Richard’s fundraising and help drive vital brain tumour research forward, visit: SportsGiving - Running for Brain Tumour Research