17-year-old Rafe Colman-Chadwick is running the London marathon in memory of his father and has secured the support of Harry Potter actress Miriam Margolyes.
WATCH: Harrogate teen receives support from Miriam Margolyes ahead of fundraising marathon A Harrogate teenager running the London marathon in memory of his father has secured the support of Harry Potter actress Miriam Margolyes. Rafe Colman-Chadwick, 17, is raising funds for Brain Tumour Research, after his father Damian died from brain cancer aged 49, five years ago. Rafe, who is at sixth form at Harrogate Grammar, said:
“To lose dad at 12 has had its challenges. Describing the emotions is hard to put into words, so instead I will put these emotions into action. "I am running the London marathon for Brain Tumour Research and I need your help. "Any donations and support to help combat cancer is hugely appreciated.”Miriam Margolyes filmed a short piece on her iPhone with Rafe when she was in Harrogate on her latest book tour, promoting, "Oh Miriam!" Watch the video here: https://twitter.com/your_harrogate/status/1717426446195372332 Moving the camera to show Rafe, Miriam said:
“Rafe is doing a marathon for Brain Tumour Research. His dad died because he had a brain tumour. We need to do research into that area of cancer. "Please support Rafe, he’s running and he’s doing it for his dad. Please open your purses and your hearts. Thank you.”As well as the support of the BAFTA-winning actress, a leading research consultancy in Harrogate, Harlow Consulting, has donated £500 to the cause. Rafe said:
"I am incredibly thankful to Harlow Consulting for their support. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. "Just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this disease. "I’m doing this in memory of my dad with the hope of making a positive impact on the lives of other patients and their families."Brain tumours remain one of the least funded areas of cancer research, with limited resources allocated to understanding this complex and devastating disease. According to recent statistics, brain tumour research receives only a fraction of the funding compared to other forms of cancer research. Rafe is hoping to raise £10,000 via his London Marathon Run in April 2024. The funds will contribute towards groundbreaking research projects, clinical trials, and the development of innovative treatments, ultimately improving the prognosis and quality of life for patients affected by brain cancer. Rafe is a passionate advocate for the charity, and raised funds in the past with a charity concert in Valley Gardens. To donate to Rafe’s 2024 London Marathon, go to bit.ly/455Nd3y Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.