A man from Shepherd's Bush is running 100 kilometres in a single week to honour the memory of his brother, who passed away from a brain tumour, while raising crucial funds for research into the disease.
Simon Crisp, aged 40, is covering the distance along routes including the River Thames as a tribute to his brother Jonny, also 40, from Surbiton, Surrey. Jonny died in April 2024 from a diffuse midline glioma. Simon is raising money for Brain Tumour Research, the only national charity focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours. The disease remains one of the biggest cancer killers of people under 40 in the UK.
In Loving Memory
Simon said: "We were all so shocked when we found out Jonny had a brain tumour. I was just trying to be positive, but I now know that it's something that can't be cured and it has this big impact on everyone. I want to raise awareness while raising as much money as possible for research into the disease because every little bit helps."
Jonny was diagnosed in 2022 after noticing he had lost sensation to temperature in his arm. Scans revealed a tumour at the top of his spine, and despite surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, further tumours developed for which there was no treatment.
Simon said Jonny faced his illness with determination and positivity, continuing to hope he would return to work as an occupational therapist and to running, which he loved. He added: "We truly believed he was going to beat it and for a long time it felt like he might. He was determined to get back to his life and his running."
Simon's 100km challenge aims to support research into brain tumours, which receive just 1% of national cancer research funding. He said: "By supporting Brain Tumour Research, this is our way of honouring his memory and helping to create a future where people with this diagnosis have a real chance."
The charity said Simon's challenge highlights the urgent need for greater investment in research and thanked him for his efforts to raise awareness and funds. Donations can be made via Simon's JustGiving page.
