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/Childhood_Neurological_Conditions_Survey_Website_Header_370x280_800_600_s_c1.png)
Childhood Neurological Conditions Survey Part 2
Find out how you can help shape the future of treatment for Childhood Neurological Conditions such as Neurofibromatosis
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/HCTN0411_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Graham’s Super Nine Shines A Light on NF
Graham's 7 year old great-nephew Nathan is his inspiration for his epic challenges to fundraise for NTUK
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/Siobhan_Harding-Lester_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Meet Siobhan, our new Specialist Advisor for Northern Ireland
Meet Siobhan from Northern Ireland, our newest Specialist Advisor
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/Poppy_1_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Poppy’s NF1 story
Poppy describes growing up with NF1 and fundraising for future research & treatment
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/IMG_4646_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Meeting Alpha FX
NTUK Head Office visited Alpha FX to give a presentation on our work & how their support & donations help the NF Community
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/NA_logo_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Nerve Tumours UK joins the Neurological Alliance
A coalition of over 70 organisations working together to transform quality of life for people with neurological conditions.
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/IMG_4791_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Nerve Tumours UK Conference 2021
The first meeting since 2019 with our Specialist NF Advisors & Nurses, Head Office & Members of the Board of Trustees
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/Wing_Walk_Ailsa_photo_on_wing_waving_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Tricia’s Wingwalk fundraiser
Tricia describes her wingwalk experience in celebration of her 75th birthday and in memory of her daughter Sarah, who had NF1
Read More