Supporters across the UK braved burning hamstrings and aching quadriceps as they took on 88 Squats a Day in July, raising nearly £50,000 to help fund vital research into brain tumours, support our campaigning to increase the national investment and raise awareness of the life-changing impacts of the disease.
Natalie Faulkner, 36, from Manchester, was inspired to join our challenge after being diagnosed with a low-grade oligodendroglioma in September 2017. She underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and continues to have regular MRI scans.
Natalie and her husband Danny were planning to start a family and had been referred to a fertility clinic to collect eggs before her chemotherapy began, but it was too late.
She said: “Danny and I desperately hoped we’d still have the chance to start a family one day, but there wasn’t enough time to create embryos before treatment had to begin. Losing that opportunity was one of the most heartbreaking parts of my diagnosis. While everyone focused on saving my life, I was also grieving the future we’d always imagined together.”
Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age and kill more women under 35 than breast cancer.
“When I learnt how little funding this disease receives compared with other cancers, I knew I wanted to do something to help. I know the challenge will be tough, but if my experience can help bring us one step closer to better treatments – or one day a cure – it will be worth every squat,” added Natalie.
Natalie before surgery and her scar after the operation
Nottingham-based Charlotte Curnow, 56, was first diagnosed with a low-grade glioma in 2004. Following three years of monitoring, she underwent surgery in 2007 and continued with regular scans. When doctors suggested discharging her after 10 years, Charlotte insisted on continuing MRI scans every two years – a decision she believes ultimately saved her life. Sixteen years after her initial diagnosis, scans revealed the tumour had returned.
Following surgery in August 2023, she was told the tumour was an incurable glioblastoma. After radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Charlotte is determined to make the most of every opportunity and stepped up to our challenge to raise awareness of brain tumours.
She said: "I'd been waiting for a fundraising challenge that I genuinely felt confident I could complete because my energy levels still fluctuate, but I've always had strong legs, so this one felt perfect. My aim was to raise £500 by sharing my fundraising page on social media and encouraging friends to spread the word. I've always been someone who donates when I can, and now it feels like it's my turn to ask for support instead."
Charlotte
Also feeling the burn during July was Kaley Boreham, 47, from Whitburn. Her challenge was in memory of her brother Nicky who died of a glioblastoma in 2025.
Kaley said: "Nicky knew something wasn't right from the beginning. It started with headaches and little lapses in his memory, but none of us imagined it could be a brain tumour. Then he started having seizures. Every time he was taken to hospital, we kept asking what was happening, but we never got any answers.
"If I could say one thing to other families going through this, it would be to trust your instincts, keep pushing for answers and make as many memories as you can with the people you love. Those memories become more precious than you could ever imagine."
Kaley
Joining our inspirational supporters, Patron Sarah Beeny also took on 88 Squats a Day in July. Having lost both her mum and step-mum to brain tumours, she has been outspoken about raising awareness and changing the story for patients.
Inspired by our supporters? Our Cycle 274 Miles and Run 31 Miles in August challenges are already underway but there’s still time to sign up and achieve something incredible this summer.
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