A man from Northamptonshire has completed a week-long series of runs across the UK in support of Brain Tumour Research.
Alex Trivino ran 184 miles from Llangollen, North Wales, all the way to London to complete his seventh marathon in seven days at the Richmond Marathon on Sunday 15th September.
The epic feat was inspired by his father-in-law, 66-year-old Trevor Davies from North Wales, who was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) in February 2021. He had been suffering from seizures for a decade, after being dismissed as having low blood pressure or for being ‘a hypochondriac’.
Alex, 35, said: “Until three years ago, I didn’t know anything about brain tumours. We looked up GBM and saw the prognosis, which was frightening.
“Despite the gruelling treatment, Trevor tackled it with so much positivity and was determined not to give up”.
Beating his 18-month prognosis, Trevor underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. His treatment caused mobility problems, which ultimately led to the closure of his business.
In his honour, Alex ran a daily total of 26.2 miles, in accordance with marathon rules, from Monday 9th to Sunday 15th September.
After completing the incredible challenge, Alex said: “Not finishing was never an option. Trevor called at the end of my final race and seemed shocked, and proud, I’d finished the challenge. I think he enjoyed the experience of getting out of the house and watching me at the start of the week.”
Brain tumours kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.
Alex’s seven-day triumph raised more than £3,200 – enough to sponsor an entire day of scientific research at one of our Centres of Excellence.
He said: “Hopefully, this will make a difference for brain tumour patients and their families, now and in the future.”
To donate to us via Alex's fundraiser visit his JustGiving page.
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Published Thursday 18th September 2024.