Friend's 12 days of marathons in memory of man who died of brain tumour

A friend of a man who died in January from a brain tumour has completed 12 marathons in 12 days to raise money in his memory. Josh Burniston’s pal Andi Peel, from Groby, was 30 years old when he died, three years after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GMB).

Josh, also from Groby, took on the huge challenge at the beginning of the month, finishing on December 12. He was joined by Andi’s mother, Linda, in the final days of the challenge and raised more than £7,000 for Brain Tumour Research.

The 26-year-old said the generosity of donors, and Andi’s memory, helped him to push through the marathons, which involved him running rowing, skiing and cycling.

Josh said after completing the 12 marathons: “My legs and knees are a bit sore, but it’s been an incredible experience. I’ve had so much support, and Andi’s mum, Linda, joined me on the bikes for the final day, which was lovely. It really topped off an amazing 12 days.

“I’m blown away by how generous people have been. Knowing I am helping to fund research into brain tumours, and what Andi went through, has driven me on. The Government only gives 1 per cent of its cancer funding to brain tumours, so if I can fund a few days of research and help others, it’s worth it.”

Andi’s family and friends have raised more than £18,000 through various fundraising efforts since his diagnosis in 2020, including charity basketball matches organised by Andi’s best friend, Ross Bland.

Josh Burniston, 26, also from Groby, was joined by Andi’s mum (left) for the final day of the challenge.

Linda said: “I’m so proud and grateful to this amazing young man for the massive challenge he took on to raise money for Brain Tumour Research in honour of my hero, Andi. Twelve marathons in 12 days is an incredible achievement; it was an honour to be there at the finish line with Josh. I know Andi would be more than proud of him for doing this.”

Linda previously told LeicestershireLive that Andi had been her “rock” since his father died in a traffic incident in 2012. She called him the “perfect son from the day he was born to the day he passed”.

Andi Peel, 30, (right) from Groby, Leicestershire, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumour in January 2020. He and Ross Bland have known each other for 15 years after meeting through basketball.

Brain Tumour Research funds research at dedicated centres in the UK. It costs £2,740 to fund a day of research at one of the charity’s Centres of Excellence. It also campaigns for the Government and the 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.

Matthew Price, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Congratulations to Josh for completing this unbelievable challenge. We are so grateful to him as it’s only with the support of people like him that we’re able to progress our research into brain tumours and improve the outcome for patients like Andi who are forced to fight this awful disease.”

You can donate to Josh’s fundraising page by searching ‘Joshua’s fundraiser for Brain Tumour Research’ on the Just Giving website.

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