I am taking on this challenge in memory of my wonderful Dad, Alan, who passed away on 23rd July 2024 aged 68.

My Dads birthday was 3rd May, meaning this May will be the first birthday we have had without him, therefore I am completing this challenge to raise money in memory of my Dad. So if you do feel like you want to do something for my Dads birthday this year, please feel free to donate any amount to this wonderful cause.

Or if you want to keep me company during any of these 200km your more than welcome to.

My dad was a truly remarkable man who would do anything for anyone.

He was a devoted member of the local Lions club, Glanford and Lindsey, he spent over 30 years supporting Lions activities, not only keeping meetings and agendas on track but also fundraising and welcoming new members. Alan took enormous pleasure in this and helped raise tens of thousands of pounds for those in need though his Lions work.

My Dad also spent more than 35 years as a school governor, his last position being Chair of Governors at Sir John Nelthorpe and he wore this role with great pride and humility.

My Dad has helped thousands of people over his lifetime and it’s likely they will never know his name or face, but they will have felt the presence of his generosity - an unknown supporter who valued serving them - and he wouldn’t have it any other way.   

On 1st April 2024, after a few weeks with headaches, my dad was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme, the most aggressive form of cancer in the brain, located mainly behind his right ear and approximately 6.5cm x 6.5cm. He had major brain surgery to remove 80% of his tumour on 30th April 2024, and was home for his 68th birthday on 3rd May 2024.

At this time we were given around a 12 month timeframe, however on 21st June 2024 my Dad was admitted back to Castle Hill hospital and never returned home. After 3 weeks in Castle Hill it was determined that he would not benefit from any further treatment and the best thing for him would be to keep him calm and comfy. He was then transferred to our local Hospice, Lindsey Lodge, who looked after him with such kindness and dignity at the end of his life. He sadly passed away on 24th July 2024.

I’m doing this challenge (and it is a challenge, I currently average around 3k a day and to complete this I need around 7k a day) to raise some money for a charity who are so dedicated to finding a cure for Brain Tumours, so other people can experience the things my Dad will miss out on, like walking his Daughter down the aisle, watching some of his children get married, watching his Grandchildren grow up and simply enjoying his retirement with my Mum, that he worked so hard for.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

The duration of survival following diagnosis of a Glioblastoma is 10 - 13months, with 25% surviving more than one year and fewer than 5% of people surviving longer than 5 years. Without treatment, survival is typically 3 months.

Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this. They are the only national charity in the UK focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours through campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK.

Thank you!