Oxford neurosurgeon inspired by patients to run marathon

Jane Halliday, 37, who works at the John Radcliffe Hospital, is set to take on 26.2-mile TCS London Marathon on October 2 inspired by brain tumour patients she supports.

The scientist, who grew up in Scotland and now lives in Oxfordshire, picked up an interest in running and wild swimming during the coronavirus lockdowns.

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She has been selected to represent Team GB in the 35-39 age group team at next year’s European Triathlon Championship event.

Jane at work. Picture by Oxford Medical Illustration

 “This will be my first marathon,” she said. “I’d say my experience of triathlons has certainly helped with my training.

“Last year I trained to run the distance of a marathon, with the aim of completing one virtually which sadly didn’t happen due to a running injury.

“I decided I wanted to run the London Marathon when it returned in-person.”

Ms Halliday was inspired by Nick Thomas, her 50-year-old meningioma patient from Abingdon who last year raised more than £11,000 for the charity.

Jane is inspired by her patients

Mr Thomas was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2014 after experiencing a change in his vision. The following day he lost the sight in his left eye and went to an optician who referred him to hospital.

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His sight gradually returned over a six-month period, but despite investigations, it took a year for Nick to be diagnosed with a brain tumour and he received six weeks of radiotherapy and now receives regular scans.

Ms Halliday said: “During a consultation with Nick I asked how he was doing and when he replied saying that he felt well and had just run the London Marathon – I was in awe of what he had achieved since his diagnosis.

“I told Nick I had applied for a place and he suggested I could run for the charity, within half an hour I was signed up as part of the Brain Tumour Research team.

Nick and Matt Thomas for the London Marathon 2021

“It’s a privilege to do my job and try to support the patients I see on a daily basis. I feel motivated to want to do more.

“Seeing patients overcome mental and physical challenges, pushing themselves out of their comfort zone, it’s amazing.”

Carol Robertson, national events manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re very impressed with Jane’s determination.

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Jane in the operating theatre

“Not only does she support patients through her full-time job and training for her Team GB event, she is now using her hobby to raise awareness and helping to fund vital research to eventually find a cure for the disease.”

To donate, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/Jane-Halliday-Neurosurgeon

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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