Fundraiser finishes Great North Run in memory of her South Shields taxi driver dad

The daughter of a South Shields taxi driver who died from a brain tumour says his 'spirit' kept her going as she completed the gruelling Great North Run.
Julie Lowe and partner Rich ahead of the Great North Run.Julie Lowe and partner Rich ahead of the Great North Run.
Julie Lowe and partner Rich ahead of the Great North Run.

Julie Lowe, 31, was spurred over the finish line at the world’s biggest half marathon on Sunday by the memory of her dad Ian, who died just two weeks after his diagnosis.

Devastated by her loss, Julie was determined to complete the event and raise vital funds for the Brain Tumour Research charity.

South Shields taxi driver Ian Lowe, who died on Valentine's Day 2017.South Shields taxi driver Ian Lowe, who died on Valentine's Day 2017.
South Shields taxi driver Ian Lowe, who died on Valentine's Day 2017.
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Ian was diagnosed with an aggressive central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma after becoming very forgetful and collapsing in January 2017.

The treatment options for Ian were extremely bleak and he died the following month on Valentine’s Day 2017, a week after starting an antibody treatment.

Julie, who works at White Friars House Dental Practice in Chester, said: “I’m so delighted to have completed the Great North Run.

“I was apprehensive before the big day, but I knew that dad’s spirit would keep me going.

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“It was heart-breaking that he wasn’t there to cheer me on, but I had to push on and do my bit to help the charity.”

Joined by her partner Rich, Julie was among thousands of runners taking part in the annual 13.1-mile event.

She has now raised over £1,000 for the worthy cause.

A team of 42 took part to raise money for Brain Tumour Research which funds dedicated UK Centres of Excellence where scientists are focused on improving outcomes for patients and, ultimately, finding a cure.

Andrea Pankiw, community fundraising manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “For too long, brain tumours have been a neglected cancer.

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“Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone, at any age, at any time.

“What’s more, they kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.”

Those still wanting to sponsor Julie can do so by going to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/julie-lowe14