Elizabeth Lorraine is taking on the virtual challenge after her dad was diagnosed with two brain tumours, both stage 4 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), in October 2020. Andy underwent surgery the following month to remove as much of the primary tumour as possible but was told the second tumour is inoperable. He was also given radiotherapy. Sadly, the family have recently been told both tumours have grown.
To complete the Brainathlon, participants are invited to walk 10 miles, run 15 miles and climb 1.2 miles (by walking up 2,500 individual stairs or equivalent). They can complete the challenge in one go or spread out throughout Brainathlon week (Monday 19th to Sunday 25th April), and can enter individually or as a relay team of three.
Elizabeth plans to complete all three stages in three consecutive days and has already raised more than £300 on her JustGiving page.
She said: “We never could have imagined a future in which our dad couldn't fix something, but brain tumours are beyond the mere human abilities of even a super dad. A brain tumour diagnosis is meant to be a rare thing, but my dad is one of four that I know of. This is why I’m taking part in the Brainathlon and raising money to help researchers find a cure.”
The Brainathlon is an exciting collaboration between three of the UK’s leading neurological research charities: Brain Tumour Research, Brain Research UK and Epilepsy Research UK. It will raise vital funds to support research, improve outcomes and help people affected by neurological conditions including brain tumours and epilepsy.
To find out more and sign up for the challenge, please click here.
Related reading:
If you found this story interesting or helpful, sign up to our weekly e-news and keep up to date with all the latest from Brain Tumour Research.