Dan takes on The Wall for Brain Tumour Support

14 June 2024 | Fundraising, Supporters

Charity fundraiser’s grandson takes on ultra marathon in his memory.

On Saturday 15th June, Dan Holliday, who serves with the RAF, will be tackling ‘The Wall’ – a 70-mile ultra marathon from Carlisle to Gateshead, along Hadrian’s Wall. He is taking on this gruelling challenge to raise money for charity Brain Tumour Support in memory of his grandad, Paul Mason.

In 2019, 73-year-old Paul from Guisborough, Cleveland, was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumour, the most aggressive and invasive form of brain cancer. He had a de-bulking operation as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy to give the best chance of prolonging his life.

Having to self-isolate early in the 2020 Covid pandemic due to his vulnerability, Paul decided to complete a marathon by walking laps of his garden – with his beloved dog Charlie by his side – to keep his spirits up and to inspire others, and Dan set up a fundraising page for ‘Paul’s walkathon’, with a modest target of £150. Despite balance issues and fatigue, which made walking difficult, Paul completed the challenge over the course of 19 days and his final total raised for Brain Tumour Support was an incredible £3,250.

So, in memory of his grandad, Dan is raising funds each year for Brain Tumour Support – a pledge which has also seen him row 100,000 metres in 20 days whilst abroad on deployment.

Dan said:

“What my grandad achieved towards the end of his life with his fundraiser was incredible. If I can raise money towards helping people in the same position which my grandad found himself in, and to help the charity which was so close to his heart, then I know he would be so proud”.

In preparation for ‘The Wall’, Dan has been training hard for weeks – with his own beloved dog, Moz, often by his side, just like his grandad. Despite being hit by injury he shares the character and commitment that Paul showed four years ago and is determined to succeed, whilst modestly saying “It’s still nothing in comparison to what he did.”

For the Brain Tumour Support team, the family’s ongoing support is very special. Charity CEO, Tina Mitchell Skinner, expressed her gratitude, “Both Dan and his grandad are an inspiration. When I see this sort of dedication, not only to the memory of someone who is so dearly loved, but also the desire to raise money to help others in a similar situation, it brings tears to my eyes. Dan, you’re incredible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Donations to Dan’s fundraiser can be made here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/daniel-holliday-the-wall-2024