24 Hour Marathon – Three Brothers Running for the Fourth
08 March 2021
Toby, James & Alex have just completed their incredible 24-hour marathon, running 1 mile (and a little extra to get to the 26.2 miles), every hour, over 24 hours, to commemorate 10 years since their brother Tristan passed away due to Neurofibromatosis Type 2.
Tristan was diagnosed with NF2 as a teenager, having several operations that left him with no hearing and facial palsy on one side of his face.

Despite this he met his NF2 head-on, whatever curveball was thrown at him, he always threw it back twice as hard. He learned to lip-read, fitted in time for sport, learnt to drive and continued on with his studies to gain a place at Leicester University.

Tristan demonstrated by his actions, that whatever adversities arise in life one should keep looking at the opportunities that are available and concentrate on those, rather than being overwhelmed by what one cannot do. With that in mind Toby, Alex & James prepared themselves for the Marathon.
The run began on the 5th of March, with James & Alex taking the approach that training wasn’t needed as “it’s only a mile and it won’t be too hard as we have the rest of the hour to recover”. Setting off on the first mile their smiles soon dropped as they realised how long a mile really was, but they were determined to push through and overcome the challenge.
Toby says “one of the biggest challenges we faced was one we did not consider – the stiffness in our legs. By constantly stop starting the lactic acid built up quickly”.

Off to a successful start the marathon started getting really tough around 3am, with all three brothers battling on not knowing whether it was so hard because of running in the cold or simply trying to stay awake.

Nonetheless, they completed the run. Alex and Toby managed to complete the whole distance, with brother James, unfortunately, having to sit out due to an injured ankle. All three brothers are blown away by how much they have raised and by completing this run they have shown that whilst Tristan may not be with them any longer, he is certainly not forgotten.
Their fundraiser is still open and you can support their valiant effort below.
Filter News

Today is Giving Tuesday
Call out by Karen Cockburn, Charity Director, to donate and support the NF Community
Read More
Runderpants fun run
Get your Runderpants here! Set up a fun run wearing some special fundraising pants
Read More
Avastin Side Effects
Jo highlights Avastin side effects, from experience of her son Oscar's treatments, plus shared testimonies from others
Read More
2023 Awareness Campaign
Nerve Tumours UK have joined forces with RBH to raise awareness for a second successive year.
Read More
Disclosing and explaining visible differences - CAR Workshop
Read more about the workshop, featuring additional guidance from Specialist NF Nurse Rebeca Rennison
Read More
Jo Ward’s Avastin Blog
Jo Ward, CEO of NF2 BioSolutions UK, shares a blog about her son Oscar's Avastin journey
Read More
World Mental Health Day 2023
NTUK (as part of the Neurological Alliance) has signed a joint letter aimed at improving access to mental health services
Read More
CAR Research visible difference experiences during recruitment
Research participants required, find out more and take part
Read More
NF Academy 2023 - Ella’s Blog
Ella, who has NF1, attended the week-long 2023 NF Academy in Portugal, meeting young adults with NF from all over Europe
Read More