30 Miles. 30 Days. Your Way.

Our virtual challenge, Run, Row, Ride, returned once again last month and we were blown away by the efforts of our team to cover 30 miles in 30 days, their way.

Run, Row, Ride was launched in November 2019, and it received so much support from our community that we hosted two challenges in 2020! It’s fast become our annual challenge for the 30 people in the UK who are diagnosed with a brain tumour every day. Incredible people across the UK have complete freedom to choose how they’d like to complete ‘the 30’ – you don’t have to like running, have access to a rowing machine, or a bike to take part. Many of our supporters have walked the 30 miles, for example, and it can be a great way to explore new places, try something new, and bring your friends and family along too as you take part at home, in your gym, park or out in the local countryside.

Our amazing Run, Row, Ride 2021 team have raised over £XXXX! Well done team, and thank you to everyone who supported you to the finish line!

Meet some of our Run, Row, Ride 2021 team:

Kristis’ Run Row Ride Story

‘I lost my Nana in 2013 due to a brain tumour, from diagnosis to the day we lost her was 12 weeks! As you can imagine this was the worst time for me and my family, knowing we were going to lose her was hard enough but losing her in 12 weeks was the worst pain! I’m taking on Run, Row, Ride, Walk in support of brainstrust, as these people were incredible support to me and my family from the day my Nana was diagnosed, and I know they are just as incredible to other families who sadly go through what my family did, if I can do anything to help them I will.’

Kristis has been a brainstrust supporter since 2013, completing a skydive with her sister on her 21st birthday, taking on the challenge of ‘no chocolate November’ in 2016, and going on to start her own business, Pops Melts, and raising money through a G&T snap bar in loving memory of her Grandad.

Kristis walked and cycled the 30 miles for Run, Row, Ride with her husband Tom. Thank you Kristis and Tom – you’re an inspiration!

Jane’s Run, Row, Ride Experience

“I challenged myself to walk 30 miles in 30 days for brainstrust because they have played such a supportive role in my own journey and I wanted to support others that will join us on this particular journey. I explained to family and friends about the challenge and was surprised how many wanted to support and join me on my walks. I have already walked 24 miles so I am now hoping to walk everyday for the 30 days with as many friends as possible.”

We love that Jane has been catching up with all her friends whilst completing her walks, and that’s what our Run, Row, Ride challenge is all about – doing it your way. Knowing every step you take can make a big difference in helping to provide vital support for people with a brain tumour and their loved ones.

We asked Jane if, so far, she had a favourite Run, Row, Ride walk, “It is difficult to pick out a favourite walk because each one has had its special moments from my granddaughter splashing in puddles to today’s walk with my 90-year-old father or watching the sunset at Chidham or the splendour of the South Downs.’ Jane is doing a mix of walks she has done before, and new ones such as one from Burpham to The Downs, which she describes as ‘spectacular”.

And I think we can all agree with Jane that, ‘The natural colours of autumn make exploring a delight wherever you choose to roam.” We asked Jane to say ‘hello’ to her friends from all of us here at brainstrust, and a huge thank you Jane for your support!

Members of the brainstrust team have also got involved in Run, Row, Ride

This year, and Adam, brainstrust‘s Patient Involvement Officer shared with us his reasons for taking part, “My motivation to take part came from seeing the wonderful work done at brainstrust, first hand. Both the community and our support team are a source of inspiration for me daily and this is my way of trying to give back.”

Our newest team member, Support Specialist and Volunteer Manager for Central South England, Louise, also signed up telling us, “I decided to take part in ‘Run Row Ride’ because I desperately needed something to motivate me to get moving after being much too lazy over lockdown! I work from home so there’s a massive temptation to just sit down all day. This challenge has given me the push I needed to put on my trainers and get outside. I feel much healthier and have loads more energy. There are so many charity events to choose from – I decided to support brainstrust because they are such a fantastic organisation who help people feel supported when they are at their most vulnerable.”