A London man has completed an extreme Arctic expedition in memory of his inspirational friend who died from a brain tumour.
Fitness instructor Andy Jones, 57, from Buntingford in Hertfordshire, died from a glioblastoma in January 2024, just nine months after being diagnosed with the disease. His friend, Martin Higgins, 63, from Cockfosters, spent six days walking 120km along the Hardangervidda plateau in Norway, hauling a 40kg pulk (sled) and camping in sub-zero conditions to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.
The charity funds research to find better treatments and improve outcomes for patients facing this type of incurable brain cancer.
A Friend's Tribute
Martin said: “Andy was an immense presence. He was a tall, strong, healthy, resilient individual who made everything seem achievable no matter your ability. Our fitness community looked up to him and was always inspired and motivated by his passion, enthusiasm and dedication to fitness and love of the outdoors.”
“What he went through was heartbreaking. Brain tumours claim the lives of so many indiscriminately. Prognosis is varied depending on the type and treatment available, however, the impact on those affected and their loved ones is devastatingly life-changing. I’m also shocked about the funding gap, that research into brain tumours doesn’t get the funding it deserves.”
Extreme Challenge
“Due to the extreme volatility of the Hardangervidda plateau in March, I was told there was only a 15 per cent chance of completing the route. I wore an avalanche transponder the whole time because of the high risk. I took on these slim odds because they reflect the uphill battle faced by brain tumour patients like Andy. I want to raise awareness and funds to help researchers beat the odds and find a cure.”
Andy had a glioblastoma – a highly aggressive and rapidly growing tumour that is especially challenging to treat. It is the most common type of primary high-grade brain tumour in adults, with around 3,200 people diagnosed each year in the UK. For patients with glioblastoma, their tumour almost always recurs and when it does, options are extremely limited.
Research Progress
The Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at the University of Nottingham is home to researchers pushing the boundaries of scientific and medical technology to get us closer to a cure for glioblastoma tumours in adults. Their goal is to create a future where next generation genome sequencing, combined with advanced brain imaging and artificial intelligence (AI), will not only predict the earliest signs of recurrence of glioblastoma tumours, but will also identify effective personalised treatments for patients.
Andy's Story
In late April 2023, after several weeks of feeling unwell, Andy went to Accident and Emergency at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow where a CT scan confirmed he had a cancerous brain tumour. The father-of-three underwent surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy but died in a hospice on January 28, 2024. Following his diagnosis, Andy fundraised for Brain Tumour Research. He cycled virtually on a turbo trainer from Lands’ End to John O’Groats raising just under £10,000 which is enough to sponsor three days of research at one of the charity’s Research Centres of Excellence.
Enduring Friendship
Martin said: “I was training with Andy three times a week over a 15-year period, and we did adventure trips abroad, so I really got to know him. He was a really good guy and was so inspirational. He was a great leader and was all about being inclusive. For him, it didn’t matter who you were or what you could do – all that mattered was that you were trying. Everybody can compete on effort and not necessarily on ability, so he treated everybody equally and encouraged everybody.”
Charity's Response
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “Martin’s determination to take on this gruelling Arctic challenge is truly inspiring. Brain tumours are indiscriminate and devastating, and stories like Andy’s highlight why greater investment in research is so urgently needed. We are incredibly grateful to Martin for turning his experience into action and helping us raise vital funds and awareness as we work towards finding a cure.”
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure. The charity is the driving force behind the call for a national annual spend of £35 million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia.
Martin has already raised more than £3,000 and hopes to raise even more. To support Martin’s fundraising campaign, visit justgiving.com/page/arctic-140km? For more information visit www.braintumourresearch.org.
