George running 310km in 180 days for charity

On 2nd December 2025, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and remained in hospital until I had surgery on 10th December. The surgery was a success and removed most of my tumour, though some residual tumour remains. My histology report showed that I have a Grade 2 astrocytoma, a pre-cancerous brain tumour. 

Then in April 2026 I was shocked to find out that I have a genetic condition called Li-Fraumeni syndrome meaning that my TP53 gene is mutated. The TP53 gene is a crucial tumour suppressor gene responsible for stopping cells from growing uncontrollably, and those of us with LFS have a 90% chance of developing one or more types of cancer by age 60.


After my diagnoses, I decided that I wanted to raise some money for some of the charities that are now important to me. 50% of the money I raise will go to The George Pantziarka TP53 Trust, the UK's only charity dedicated to supporting families with Li-Fraumeni syndrome and related conditions. Another 25% will go to Teens Unite Against Cancer, the UK’s only organisation to provide ongoing support to 13–24-year old’s during, and after cancer.  


The remaining 25% will go to the Brain Tumour Charity which funds research, provides support and raises awareness for brain tumours – one of the least researched and funded types of cancer. Just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002, despite the fact that one in three people know someone affected by a brain tumour.


When thinking about what challenge to set myself in order to raise money it seemed important to frame my story. I have chosen to run 310km over 180 days. 310 km is the distance from my home in London to York University, where I graduated with a BSc in Psychology in June 2025, just six months before my brain tumour was discovered. 180 days takes me to 10th Dec 2026, the first anniversary of my brain surgery.


Please consider supporting me to raise money for these amazing charities which do crucial work in a very underfunded area, and please consider following me on my instagram account to follow my journey! @georgerunsforlfs 
https://www.instagram.com/georgerunsforlfs?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==


Thanks, George