Brain tumour death inspires triple marathon challenge

A man who died weeks after being diagnosed with brain cancer has inspired a triple marathon challenge.

Dylan James, 35 from Ammanford will run the Llanelli Half next month, followed by the Tenby Marathon in June, ending with the Cardiff Half Marathon in October, in aid of the charity Brain Tumour Research.

The Welsh Water engineer lost his father-in-law, Mike McGrane, in September 2023 just 12 weeks after he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM), aged 71.

Initially, doctors thought Mike had suffered a stroke after he appeared vacant. Further tests revealed a loss of vision in his left eye and a scan found the deadly mass on his brain.

Dylan, who is dad to Llew, six, and Doti aged four, said: “Everything happened quickly from when Mike was diagnosed. We were thrust into a world we knew nothing about.

“The consultant quickly ruled out an operation and said that radiotherapy wouldn’t make a difference as his cancer was so aggressive. He lost mobility and needed a wheelchair to get around. It was a shock to see how rapidly Mike deteriorated.”

Speaking of his upcoming running feat, Dylan said: “Training is going well, it’s sometimes hard to get up and go out into the cold but remembering what Mike went through is plenty motivation. When times feel tough, I remember the strength he showed during his diagnosis.”

Dylan is hoping to raise £2,740, the equivalent cost for one day of research to find kinder treatments and eventually a cure for all types of brain tumours.

He added: “The consultant told us that there had been no real movement in brain tumour treatment for decades. It’s only when you have a loved one going through it, that you realise how common the disease is. I’ve noticed stories of other patients of various ages. It’s terrifying how many people it affects.

“I want to raise awareness to help future generations diagnosed with a brain tumour, to give them the best chance of surviving such a horrendous diagnosis.”

Mel Tiley, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “With one in three people knowing someone affected by a brain tumour, Mike’s story is, sadly, not unique. We’re grateful for him sharing his story and love his enthusiasm and dedication with a 10-month long challenge.

“In the UK, 16,000 people each year are diagnosed with a brain tumour, yet research into the disease is lacking. We’re determined to change that but it’s only by working together we will be able to improve treatment options for patients and, ultimately, a cure. We’re really grateful for Dylan’s support and wish him well in all three of his races this year.”

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.

To donate to Brain Tumour Research via Dylan’s challenge, please visit:www.justgiving.com/page/dylan-james-1704574715886