Hockley sisters set to take on series of running challenges in memory of their dad

TWO sisters who lost their dad to a brain tumour are taking on a series of running challenges to raise money for charity.

Bethany and Chloe Lloyd, both from Hockley, are running a 10km, a half marathon, and a full 26.2-mile marathon this year in aid of the charity Brain Tumour Research.

The sisters’ efforts come a decade after their father, Steve, died of a glioblastoma in September 2015, just two weeks after his 40th birthday.

Bethany, 22, said: "I am sure Dad would think we are a bit mad for doing this and if he were here, he would probably want to run with us too.

Togetherness - Sisters Chloe and Bethany (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

"It felt right for me and Chloe to do something together and our own challenges to continue raising awareness of brain tumours."

The sisters were just five and three when their father, a TFL depot manager, was diagnosed with a brain tumour after having a seizure out-of-the-blue.

Throughout his radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment, Steve inspired more than £30,000 of fundraising for Brain Tumour Research by family and TFL colleagues who cycled 74 miles overground visiting all 61 stations on the District Line underground system.

Heartbreaking - Dad Steve with daughter Bethany Lloyd (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

Bethany added: "Growing up, we knew Dad was poorly and that he wouldn’t be around forever.

"We made a bucket list of things we wanted to do as a family, from a week-long family sleepover in our living room to incredible holidays abroad, they are memories I’ll cherish forever.

"Since Dad died, there has been a whole community of people fundraising in his memory which shows how loved he was and that really warms my heart.

Strong - Angela Lloyd with husband Steve (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

"I would do anything to help another family who are given a brain tumour diagnosis to not have to go through the heartbreak our family experienced.

"As tough, time consuming and mentally challenging running long distances may be, it must be done to help future patients and their families."

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1 per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.

Family - Angela and Steve's wedding with daughters Chloe and Bethany (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

Carol Robertson, national events manager for Brain Tumour Research, added: "So much awareness has been raised as part of Lloydy’s legacy.

"His friends and family have, and continue to raise money too, which all goes toward helping us find kinder treatments and ultimately a cure for all types of brain tumours.

"We are really grateful for Bethany, Chloe and Steve’s support and wish them all the best in their training for their running events."