Brave Solihull man with brain tumour to tackle London Marathon

A brave man, from Dickens Heath, will run the London Marathon on Sunday – despite being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.

Matthew Stride underwent surgery last year to remove a tumour the size of a tennis ball from the front part of his brain.

The 27-year-old had to stay awake during the operation so listened to One Direction during surgery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in January 2016.

He was later diagnosed with a grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma, a rare and aggressive cancerous tumour that he has been told is incurable.

He went onto have 33 rounds of radiotherapy and 42 days of chemotherapy, to delay the growth of the tumour that will inevitably return.

But despite the gruelling treatment Matthew claims he feels ‘fitter than ever’ ahead of running the 26.2 mile course on Sunday.

“It’s so close, I’m getting really excited now,” says Matthew, who works as a football scout.

“I had a scan in February and everything was stable.

“It’s the fittest I’ve ever been. I think the healthier you are in your body, the more positive you will be in your mind.

“Every time I think about crossing the line I get butterflies.”

Matthew has finished hospital treatment, and is currently only taking medication to stop seizures.

On Sunday he’ll be joined by a team of friends known as ‘Matthew’s Army’ who will be running alongside him including Sophie McEvoy, Lauren McLean, Jade Troth and Jack McEvoy.

The group have raised almost £25,000 for charity Brain Tumour Research in a bid to raise funds for vital research into the killer disease.

His family, friends and fiancé Sarah Hall – who he proposed to during a romantic surprise holiday to Dubai – will also be cheering them along on the sidelines.

Matthew added: “I feel really ready, and I’m looking forward to the atmosphere on the day, which people say is unique.

“I think it’s going to be very emotional.”

If you would like to donate, visit the team’s Virgin Money page: http://m.virginmoneygiving.com/mt/uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=matthewsarmy

Read more: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/brave-runner-brain-tumour-tackle-12926635