A devoted dad who died from a brain tumour has inspired an epic mountain fundraising challenge.
Stephen Hopcroft had built a successful career as Head of Recruitment at Aston Villa Football Club, alongside always making time for his family and friends. His son, Tom, said: “Dad was one of those people who made everyone feel comfortable the moment they met him. He was incredibly funny and, without doubt, the best storyteller I've ever known. Everybody who met him loved him.”
Stephen (right) with his children, Tom and Beth
In January 2025, Stephen suffered a seizure in his sleep. A few weeks later, his family received the devastating news that Stephen had a glioblastoma – an aggressive and incurable brain tumour which affects around 3,200 people in the UK every year.
He underwent two surgeries, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but his condition gradually deteriorated. Stephen passed away 18 months after his diagnosis in July 2026, aged 59.
“Although we'd known what was coming, nothing can prepare you for losing someone you love. Looking back now, I'm grateful for every moment we had together, and it's those memories that I hold onto most,” said Tom.
Now, Tom, who lives in Madrid, has embarked on one of Europe’s toughest long-distance hikes to raise money for Brain Tumour Research. He is currently taking on the GR11 – an 840km trek across the Spanish Pyrenees that is expected to take 45-55 days and will see Tom conquering the full length of the mountains from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. And as well as fundraising, Tom is documenting his adventures on his Instagram page @tomcharliedesign.
He added: “Dad loved hearing about my adventures and the stories that came from them, and I know he would have loved this challenge too. Completing it while raising money for Brain Tumour Research feels like a way of making sense of everything that's happened. It's something that helps me find peace while hopefully making a difference for other families in the future.”
You can support Tom’s epic hike by donating to his JustGiving page.
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