Julie Fenton, 56, of Bury St Edmunds, to walk 99 miles in memory of brother Gary Fenton

A retired NHS worker is raising funds for charity by walking 99 miles after losing her brother to a brain tumour.

Julie Fenton, 56, of Bury St Edmunds, is halfway through the 99 Miles in November challenge in support of Brain Tumour Research to mark the first anniversary of the death of her only sibling, Gary Fenton.

Gary was a much-loved caretaker at St John’s Church in Ealing, West London — but in June 2021, he was diagnosed with a life-limiting glioblastoma (GBM) after doctors thought his episodes of confusion were caused by a stroke and encephalitis.

Despite surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment, Gary died in November 2023 — a week after his 60th birthday.

Julie, who took early retirement to look after her brother, said: “Our parents died when we were younger, so for decades, it was just me and Gary.

“When we found out he was terminal, we became even closer, he moved in with me and we enjoyed the last couple of years of his life together.

“Within six weeks of being diagnosed, we were told Gary’s tumour had doubled in size and the doctors told us that he was on the best treatment available.

“He always remained so positive which I think helped him and others around him deal with the devastation of a brain tumour diagnosis.”

Julie has now clocked up 50 miles in Gary’s memory and is halfway through the walking challenge, raising funds for Brain Tumour Research which is the only national charity focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours.

According to the charity, brain tumours kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer — yet only one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.

The retired NHS worker also took on the charity’s London Walk of Hope in September despite suffering with rheumatoid arthritis.

Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Gary’s story is a reminder that brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age.

“We’re grateful to Julie for sharing her family’s story with us. It’s only with the support of people like Julie who is taking on one of our Facebook challenges, that will help us closer to find kinder treatments and eventually a cure for all types of brain tumours.

“We wish Julie all the best for the remainder of her challenge.”

Julie has raised £170 so far and if you would like to donate to her cause, please click here.

She added: “Supporting Brain Tumour Research by taking part in walking challenges was my way of continuing his legacy as well as supporting my own mental and physical health. It’s given me focus and kept me mobile.

“Gary and I spoke about his wishes before he died, and he was passionate about helping others in the same position as him.

“He wanted there to be hope for future patients who will face the diagnosis of a brain tumour. He managed to find community in something so tragically horrible and that’s how I will always remember my brother.”