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/robina-weermeijer-3KGF9R_0oHs-unsplash_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
NF1 stem cell research study
Julieta is carrying out stem cell research to understand brain development in those with NF1
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/FB_IMG_1646043328094_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Ava-Lily’s NF1 story
Ava-Lily is thriving at school despite various NF1 related difficulties - read her story
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/image_(12)_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Westminster Virtual Rare Disease Day 2022 Reception
NTUK joined the annual international event aimed at raising awareness & highlighting the needs of people with rare diseases
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/NTUK_supports_RDD_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Rare Disease Day 2022
Nerve Tumours UK joins events showcasing Rare Disease Day, hosted by the Genetic Alliance, on 28 February 2022
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/IMG_7612_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Runderpants Winchester 2022
The Runderpants fun run makes a successful return to Winchester
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/fruit_fly_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
NF1 Research study with fly model
How can studying the brain of a fruit fly help with understanding of NF1?
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/2021-10-27_15-11-36_324_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Stuart’s Schwannoma Story Part Two
Stuart's update takes us through the operation to remove the Schwannoma, recovery and getting back to marathon training.
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/IMG_4619_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Sian & Connor’s story
Sian & Connor describe the invaluable support from NTUK during her pregnancy with baby Reuben
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/17397DC99F38479194C0E2ADD6B8CDA8_370x280_800_600_s_c1.jpg)
Anita, aka Fat Lady Slim, is running the London Marathon for NTUK
Anita is fundraising on behalf of niece Sophie & great-niece Lexie who have NF2 by running the London Marathon
Read More