York student runs length of Britain to raise awareness of brain tumour research
Posted on Monday 20 July 2026
Rafe Colman-Chadwick set out on 5 June, determined to honour the memory of his father, Damian, who died from a brain tumour when Rafe was just 12 years old. His six week journey was completed this month, during which time he had raised more than £10,000 for the charity Brain Tumour Research.
Despite brain tumours killing more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to the disease.
Crossing the finish line at Land’s End, Rafe completed all 872 miles, supported by family, friends and thousands of people who followed his journey online.
Demand change
Rafe said: “This run has always been about much more than reaching Land’s End. It’s about my dad and every family whose lives have been devastated by a brain tumour. There were days when my body was telling me to stop, but I kept thinking about why I started. Giving up was never an option for me.
“If my challenge helps even one more family by raising awareness, funding more research and encouraging people to demand change, then every mile has been worth it.”
Alfie Boe, patron of Brain Tumour Research, who also lost his father to a brain tumour, praised Rafe’s achievement.
He said: “He’s an incredibly inspirational young man whose determination and courage are remarkable. Losing his father to a brain tumour at just 12 years old is something no child should have to experience, yet he’s turned that heartbreak into a challenge that will make a real difference for others.
“Everyone at Brain Tumour Research is grateful for the commitment and strength he’s shown in taking on this extraordinary challenge. I hope Rafe’s story inspires others to support the charity’s work and help fund the research that patients and families so desperately need.”
Rafe is continuing to campaign for fairer funding so that future families have better treatment options, improved survival rates and, ultimately, hope.
Donations are still being accepted through Rafe’s JustGiving page, which will contribute to funding research into brain cancer.
