A 22-year-old man from Nottingham has completed 2,001 pull-ups in less than 12 hours in memory of his friend’s grandmother, who died from an aggressive brain tumour earlier this year.
Loui Ware (below left) reached his target in nine hours and 40 minutes in June, raising more than £700 in aid of Brain Tumour Research. The challenge was dedicated to Jacqueline Turner, known affectionately as “Nannan”, who left a lasting impression on Loui through the stories shared by her granddaughter and his close friend, Carrie Turner (below right).
Jacqueline lived independently until Christmas 2024, when her family grew concerned about her memory and concentration – initially suspecting early dementia. The day before she was due to see a GP, Jacqueline fell out of bed and was admitted to hospital. An MRI confirmed the devastating diagnosis: an inoperable brain tumour in the centre of her brain.
Jacqueline remained in hospital for two months, where she suffered a major seizure that left her unresponsive, though she fought on for six more weeks. Jacqueline died in March, just four days before her 78th birthday. Carrie, 23, said: “My Nannan was one of my favourite people on this planet. She had such a deep love for all of us and made everyone around her feel special. Even now, I still feel her love.
“It’s heartbreaking how underfunded research into this disease is, especially when you consider how many families are affected. We didn’t have many options with my Nannan, no real treatment plan, no hope. That’s why research is everything.”
Loui added: “It’s upsetting to think that people like Jackie, and families like Carrie’s, are left with so few options. We need better outcomes. I hope this challenge helps people realise how urgent this is and why research must be a priority.”
You can still donate to Loui’s fundraiser for Brain Tumour Research.
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