A graphic designer from Harold Wood ran the London Marathon on Sunday in support of his sister, who fell pregnant while undergoing treatment for brain cancer.
Ryan Gouge completed the 26.2-mile run in four hours and 28 minutes, raising £6,355 for the charity Brain Tumour Research.
The 34-year-old was inspired to run the race by his sister Paige.
She was diagnosed in October 2021 with glioblastoma, the same type of aggressive brain tumour that killed their father in June 2000.
However, during treatment, she naturally fell pregnant, something doctors said was unlikely to happen.
Ryan initially wanted to run the marathon last year, but had to defer his place after concerns about a possible heart condition.
Recounting the marathon experience, Ryan said: "The atmosphere was incredible.
"I ran the Paris Marathon in 2019 and London wasn't anything like that.
"I hadn't expected the home crowd to be so loud."
He added: "The first half of my run went really well, and I did it in about two hours, but I think the moment got a bit much for me after that and my pace slowed.
"It was so important to me that I didn't let anyone down that I felt the weight of the world on me, but, thankfully, I got through it."
Paige along with 35 supporters, including family and ex-colleagues, were present at the race to support him.
Ryan said: "When I saw her, the scale of what we had done hit me.
"Having her there was the most important thing for me.
"If she hadn’t been, I’m not sure it would have had the same impact, but the fact she was and she was so supportive was great."
Paige, a HR manager from Dunmow, Essex, underwent surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and was privately funding immunotherapy treatment in Germany when she fell pregnant.
The 27-year-old's pregnancy meant suspending her immunotherapy treatment in Germany.
However, Paige and her fiancé welcomed their healthy baby boy into the world on April 1, and she plans to resume her treatment next month, with the help of crowdfunding.
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National events manager for Brain Tumour Research, Carol Robertson, said: "Paige’s story is a stark reminder of the indiscriminate nature of brain tumours, which can affect anyone at any time."
She said the charity is "determined" to change the amount of spending given to brain tumour research.
"We’re really grateful to Ryan for taking on this huge challenge for us and we wish Paige the best of luck with motherhood and her continued treatment.
"Together we will find a cure."
Donation to Paige's crowdfunding page can be made via www.gofundme.com/f/gtz5b3-paiges-2nd-chance-at-life.
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