Phil Stainsby and his son Tom ran, cycled and kayaked 105 miles across the Scottish Highlands in a one-day Rat Race Coast to Coast Challenge. The challenge, which took 12 hours to complete, was inspired by their beloved wife and mum, Vicky.
Vicky was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) after experiencing symptoms including lethargy and headaches. She underwent two surgeries followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but her tumour grew rapidly and she died in December 2020, aged 57.
Phil said: “This was Tom’s first endurance event. I’ve done Ironman and things in the past and Tom wanted to do something with me before I got too old!
“I enjoyed the cycling. Tom would probably say he enjoyed the running, so we helped each other through the toughest bits. When it got hard, I reminded him that it was for his mum.”
After Vicky’s death, a tribute page raised £10,000 in her memory. Phil and Tom’s coast to coast challenge has raised a further £5,790 and Phil is now planning to take on other fundraising challenges.
Phil added: “When you get a prognosis like Vicky’s, it’s hard to accept there’s no way of significantly extending life, and no treatment beyond standard of care, for this disease.
“Ultimately, we want to fund research because we want to help find a cure and whilst I know that might be a way off, we can still help to improve treatment options for those who are diagnosed.”
If you’d like to support Phil and Tom’s efforts with a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Tom-Stainsby1
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