Brain bleed was 'every parent's worst nightmare'

A dad is running a half-marathon after going through "every parent's worst nightmare" when his daughter suffered a brain bleed.

Isabella, 13, had two life-saving surgeries at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children in May 2025.

Her father Marcos, from Kingsway in Gloucester, admitted to not being a seasoned runner but said getting out had "been huge" for his mental wellbeing and he wanted to give back to the hospital he credits with saving his daughter's life.

"We were very lucky with Isabella's outcome, but seeing other children in hospital who weren't so fortunate has really inspired me to raise as much as possible to help other families," he added.

"On 19 May last year, our lives were to change forever when Isabella suffered a brain bleed - receiving a phone call that my daughter's head was in pain and that she was vomiting was every parent's worst nightmare," Marcos said.

He described the time as "the most stressful period of his life" as he learned of the risks associated with the surgery Isabella needed.

"All I had were prayers and hope – trying to reassure myself everything would be OK while at the same time being truly terrified of the extent of Isabella's condition," he said.

Although his daughter still experiences brain fog, headaches and tiredness, Marcos said he would take on the Great Bristol Half Marathon as a "celebration of how far Isabella has come" almost a year since she fell ill.

Isabella will be supporting her father during the race - which is currently taking place - alongside other family members and friends.

Sarah Pryer, director of fundraising and marketing for the Bristol and Weston Hospitals Charity, said the charity was "incredibly grateful for [Marcos'] generosity".

"The funds raised will help us continue providing vital support to patients, families and NHS staff when they need it most," she added.

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