Rumana Chowdhury is a Neurology Consultant at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Earlier this year she took on the London Marathon to raise funds for the Yorkshire Brain Appeal, a linked charity of Leeds Hospitals Charity.

We spoke to Rumana about her experience taking part in the London Marathon, she told us:

“I heard so many positive experiences from people about taking part in the London marathon that I wanted to experience it for myself! I knew trying to run 26.2 miles would be a huge personal challenge which was daunting but also a big motivation for me. I wanted to accomplish something that I knew I would find difficult, to inspire my kids, to run in memory of my dad and to try and raise some money for charity along the way.”

“When I became a neurology consultant in 2015, I set up the Neurology Cognitive Clinic for people with dementia. Over time I have seen the devastating effects dementia can have on people and their loved ones. I have a strong background in research and I feel strongly that all people with dementia should have the opportunity to take part in research, but this was not something we were doing in Leeds for people with dementia at that time. The Yorkshire Brain Appeal funds research into neurological conditions and importantly offers local people the chance to take part in studies within Leeds.”

“The London Marathon was just the most incredible experience, so heart-warming and everything that is fantastic about people. Seeing all the different charities people were running for was very moving. The crowd support was unreal, with so many people shouting words of encouragement and willing you on, I've never experienced anything like it. It was like a massive emotional very long party! The first half went well, I then struggled with cramp and fatigue from miles 13-20, but when I got to the final few miles I had this moment of realisation that I was actually going to finish the London Marathon and it was such a wonderful feeling! I felt so proud that I was able to do it and that I was raising money for a cause that was so close to my heart.”

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Read More: Yorkshire Brain Appeal - Meet the Team - Dr Rumana Chowdhury

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