Two pals are today setting off on the second day of a challenge to run three marathons in as many days to remember their best friend who died from a brain tumour.
Thomas Palacio and Tommy Corns are running their second marathon today, having set off from Wells Rugby Club yesterday (Thursday 3rd August) with the ambition to cover 78 miles in just three days.
Their fundraising challenge is inspired by rugby pal, James Pullen, who died from the disease in December 2015. Initially diagnosed six years earlier after suffering seizures, James endured surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He was just 28 when he passed away.
James’ death has since inspired thousands of pounds raised in his memory. Last year, Thomas raised hundreds as he took on a 50-mile ultramarathon and visited our Centre of Excellence at the University of Plymouth, accompanied by Tommy, as well as James’ parents David and Sarah, and friend Joe Phelps, to place tiles on the Wall of Hope in James’ memory.
He said: “Doing these challenges is a way of keeping James’ memory alive for his friends and family.
“There are still people who are devastated by this disease and this is our way, as his best mates, to keep the conversation about brain tumours alive and how the funding into research is still so behind other cancers, so we can make a positive change.”
For the first two days of their challenge, Thomas and Tommy have been completing laps of Wells Rugby Club – where they met James. For their final marathon tomorrow (Saturday 5th August), they will be joined by friends as they run from Wells to Glastonbury to Street to Shepton Mallet, before heading back to Wells.
To help the pair achieve their £2,000 fundraising target, please donate via their JustGiving page.