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.
![](/images/common/Tristan_1024x768.jpg)
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.
![](/images/made/images/common/Tristan_and_family_1200x450_800_300_s_c1.jpg)
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”.
![](/images/common/Feeling_stiff_-_Toby__James__Alex_1024x768.jpg)
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.
![](/images/common/Night_time_runs_Toby__James__alex.jpg)
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
![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/Manchester_university_logo_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
NF2 and Radiotherapy
Research: Studying the risk of serious side effects of radiotherapy in people with NF2
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/Sally_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Sally’s NF1 story
Sally tells a story that will resonate - devastation at diagnosis, gratitude for incredible support & making the most of life
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/PXL_20221104_123231157_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
National NF2 Meeting
A report from the annual National NF2 meeting, with NTUK in attendance
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/PHOTO-2022-10-10-12-52-20_(2)_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
NF International and National meetings in Manchester
NTUK reports back from the NF Patients Community Day and the 20th European Neurofibromatosis Meeting in Manchester
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/Two_Hearts_preview_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Mindful Parenting Study
Research study: Mindful Parenting Programme for parents or carers of children aged 4-16 living with a visible difference
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/Comedy_night_Union_Chapel_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Adam Buxton and some colleagues - NTUK Comedy Night
Join us at the Union Chapel, London on Thursday 24th November for the latest comedy night to celebrate 40 years of NTUK
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/19738_News_Article_Cover_Image_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
We know 26, 500 people who need your help
To expand our Specialist Neurofibromatosis Network, we need to continue raising awareness of what we do
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/Helpline_new_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
The New National Helpline
The National Helpline is expanding to Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from early October
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/NTUK_office_team__Sam_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
London Marathon 2022
Congratulations to our 2022 London Marathon runners - thank you from the NTUK team
Read More