FOR Dominic Taylor, running the London Marathon will take on added significance as he seeks to raise money for brain tumour research.

The 34-year-old, from Newbridge, will pound the London streets on Sunday April 26, with mum Susan at the forefront of his mind.

For it will be 17 years to the day since Mrs Taylor died from a brain tumour at the age of 49.

This is her son's first marathon, though he is no stranger to running to raise money for the charity Brain Tumour Research, having completed a 'magnificent seven' challenge of four 10 kilometre races and three half-marathons in Wales and England last year, raising £800.

"I was 17 at the time and could only watch as my mum underwent surgery, then radiotherapy and had epileptic seizures. She survived for just six months and ten days," said Mr Taylor, a territory manager for a food sales company.

“This will be my first and last marathon and I am doing it for my mum and to help other families affected by this dreadful disease.

"I know the event will be both physically and emotionally challenging but I think it will be a fitting tribute."

He will be supported in London by wife Melanie and daughter Kira, aged four.

“The pain of losing my mum never goes away. I have a wife and daughter she never got to meet," said Mr Taylor.

"Continuing to remember her in this way is very important to me. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to this devastating disease. This is unacceptable.”

To donate to Mr Taylor's cause, visit www.justgiving.com/londonmarathonDT6 or donate by text at LNMN49 £5 70070.