We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took on our 200k in May Your Way challenge, helping us raising funds and awareness to get closer to a cure for brain tumours. Your incredible distance made a massive difference, helping bring hope to thousands of families affected by brain tumours.
Ellie Merrison, 30, signed up in support of her dad Jeff Stancer, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma in September 2025. Jeff underwent radiotherapy, experienced seizures, speech problems and became wheelchair bound. Jeff sadly passed away on Thursday 28th May, just days before her 200k challenge ended.
Ellie said: “Taking part in the 200k in May challenge was my chance of giving back and turning something negative into something positive. I did a combination of walking and cycling; I cycled around the rural backroads of Lincolnshire or often took my three dogs on walks. I have received more than £1,800 in donations, well exceeding my £200 target which I thought would be hard to reach.
“Fitness is not my forte, but every time I went out, I spent the whole time thinking about Dad, and how unbelievably strong he has been, and I just remembered that no hard work, tired legs or head wind struggles would ever compare. So, he was always in my head reminding me to keep strong and keep going, and the fact I did it for a great cause just made it that bit easier. Our lives changed overnight, and I just hope that one day a cure is found for families in our situation.”
Ellie getting ready to cycle
After being diagnosed with a dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour (DNET) following a seizure whilst sleeping in January 2024, Shannon Graham underwent surgery but struggled with depression and still has annual MRI scans.
Determined to complete the challenge after her ordeal, she’s brought attention to the impacts of tumours and even made newspaper headlines.
"At 17, going into a new year, I should’ve been making memories with my friends, dreaming about my future, and living my teenage years — not sitting in hospital rooms wondering if I was going to survive. Now I’m 19, and that reality still stays with me. That’s why I took on 200 kilometres: because brain tumours don’t care how young, healthy, or full of life you are. Benign or malignant, they steal parts of you no one can see,” said Shannon.
Shannon with her newspaper feature
After he was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma, Paul Welsh-Dalton was inspired to join our challenge.
Surgeons performed a five-hour awake craniotomy, successfully removing 98% of his kiwi-sized tumour. During the operation, Paul played his guitar to help surgeons monitor his brain function in real time and ensure vital abilities were not compromised.
Committing to cycling 200k and raising more than £1,500, Paul said: “I wanted to give something back. Brain tumours are indiscriminate and kill more adults and children in the UK than any other cancer. So much research is still needed, and we need to find a cure.”
Paul before and during surgery
Feeling inspired by Ellie, Shannon and Paul? Our 88 Squats a Day in July has just launched. Join our team and enjoy your feelgood fitness challenge, whilst knowing you’re doing your bit to help change outcomes for the one in three people who know someone affected by a brain tumour. Sign up today.
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