YBTC says 15 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in Yorkshire each week, while less than 2% of cancer research funding is dedicated to them.
“That’s a huge amount of people that need investment into research,” says YBTC community fundraiser Sophie Dors.
She says money raised will go towards peer support groups, research in Yorkshire and hardship grants supporting patients and their families.
Rob George, 66, says his motivation for the challenge is “more personal than most” following the death of his wife just over five years ago.
“She had bowel cancer but it was a brain tumour that actually got her in the end,” he explains.
“It’s pretty close to my heart.”
Since planning their challenge, the men have also hear stories from others who have been affected be brain tumours.
“I’ve heard of somebody who is 45, a mum, diagnosed only in December. That’s unfortunately a terminal diagnosis,” says Phil Webb, 68.
“Someone else got in touch and said ‘my son is nine and his best friend has been diagnosed with a brain cancer’.”
Phil says the group have also been inspired by Scottish swimmer Archie Goodburn, who made a plea for more money and resources to be put into fighting brain cancer.
“It makes it clear that we need to do what we’re doing,” he adds.
