In memory of mum

A loving son has gone to great lengths to raise money for a charity in memory of his mum.

Marcus Johnstone, 25, was one of hundreds of runners taking part in Saturday’s Queenstown Marathon.

For every kilometre he ran, thoughts of his mum, Susan Johnstone, inspired him to stay strong. He finished in 3.46:54.

“She always said to us to just take every opportunity that came our way and to enjoy life,” Marcus says.

“I think she’d be super proud and say to enjoy it and have fun.”

His efforts will support work vital done by Brain Tumour Support Charity NZ who help people with brain tumours – and there is still time to donate.

Brain Tumour Support NZ was formed in 2019 in response to the severe lack of information and support for brain tumour patients and their families in New Zealand.

Many of trustees have direct experience of either living with a brain tumour, or caring for a family member who has a brain tumour.

As New Zealand’s brain tumour support charity, the charity provides information, support and guidance to patients, their families and friends.

Susan, 59, known as Sue, from Blenheim was a born teacher, intelligent, caring and with a great sense of humour, she was much loved by her pupils.

She was a popular teacher at Blenheim’s Witherlea School with a gift of getting the best from her students.

Her diagnosis with a terminal brain tumour and death, exactly two years on Tuesday, devastated all who knew her.

Marcus, who cared for his mum at home before she moved to Hospice Marlborough, completed a half marathon in Auckland last year with brother Shaun.

The pair ran in memory of their mum and raised $5000.

“This year, my best mate Noa Woolloff is running with me, we were at school together.

“This will be our first ever crack at running 42.2kms, we have been training bloody hard and are very excited to be fundraising for this amazing charity.”

Noa completed the marathon in 4.17:56.

Sue was diagnosed in April 2020 and her battle came to an end on the November 21 2021.

Marcus says watching his mum go through such a terrible time was one of the most painful ordeals of his life.

Instead, he tries hard to remember the positives and life lessons she taught both him and Shaun.

The pair believe their mum is always with them.

“Shaun and I arrived at the hospice and Shaun looked up and saw a shooting star.

“Mum had just passed minutes before.

“We definitely feel mum around, and this has made me appreciate smaller things more.

“She was a member of the Blenheim Tramping Club and got Shaun and I interested in tramping and the great outdoors.

“Dad’s the same and we will appreciate that they did that for us.”.

Marcus hopes people will continue to donate to his Givealittle page, as he aims for a $5000 target.

“Any contributions, whether that's the price of your weekly coffee or beers with the boys, would go a long way for supporting more New Zealanders to beat the odds with rare brain tumours.

Mum was an extremely intelligent women who loved to read, was a passionate primary school teacher, absolutely loved the outdoors, and loved acting in local plays.

“She will always be remembered for her bubbly smile, witty humour, and her top tier baking.

To donate visit https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/run-for-mum-2