In 2010 IT consultant John Stanford set himself the challenge of running 17 marathons in one year and raised over £10,000 for Brain Tumour UK in honour of his friend and colleague who has a brain tumour.

He was cheered on during the final run by television presenter Andrea McLean, of ITV's Loose Women, who is a patron for the charity. Andrea said: ‘I was delighted to attend John’s final marathon event to encourage John's efforts and help raise awareness of the devastating disease.’

John set himself the challenge of running 17 marathons in one year after witnessing the effects the disease had on David Fryer, 46, a friend of 20 years, who was diagnosed in 2005 and has since undergone exhausting treatment.

‘David has been battling for years, so my personal challenge is no comparison,’ says John.

But 17 marathons in one year was not where he stopped. John came up with the idea for RelayGB soon after completing his last marathon and has been working hard ever since to launch this amazing event. He has set a target of 500 runners raising £500,000 to fund our research programme and drive an international programme of research into diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours. 

The event is taking place in May 2012 and is open to runners of all abilities, running on their own or in small groups, covering a leg of the route that happens either during the day or through the night; all are welcome to join in this historic event.

John needs your help to fill the route with runners and raise money towards that target – find out more and register on RelayGB to be part of the world record challenge and the fight against brain tumours.

Read more about the inspiring people supporting Brain Tumour UK.