A Southampton man has taken on a gruelling 300-mile cycling challenge in an effort to raise funds for brain tumour research after losing his father to the disease.
James Potter, of Shirrell Heath, Southampton, completed the off-road journey on a mountain bike, travelling on average 60 miles a day across five days.
The route began at the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at the University of Plymouth and concluded at Imperial College, London.
James' endeavour, which included climbing over 22,000 feet, equivalent to ascending Mount Kilimanjaro, has raised more than £12,200 to date, with donations still coming in.
His two prior fundraising efforts, involving similar cycling challenges, have brought in an additional £10,000 for research into brain tumours.
James was only 17 when his father, Anthony Potter, passed away from a brain tumour in September 1988.
Anthony, a director at the Storage Advisory Centre in Southampton, had previously battled and seemingly beaten a malignant melanoma.
Despite enjoying several years of good health post-treatment, the cancer later spread to his brain, leading to multiple inoperable tumours.
James, a father himself, said: "Dad’s brain tumours were terminal. The only treatment they could offer was palliative radiotherapy. When he received the devastating diagnosis, I was just 17. I have two brothers: Simon, who is three years older than me and Matthew, who was only five when Dad was diagnosed.
"It was a very upsetting time for all of us. Dad was a typical, traditional father-figure and family man. He was driven, dynamic and full of energy, and we all looked up to him."
Mr Potter's efforts have not only raised funds but also helped to bring awareness to the fact that brain tumours affect a significant portion of the population.
Every year, 16,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with this life-threatening condition.
Brain Tumour Research is the leading charity pushing for increased funding into research, urging a national investment of £35 million annually to find a cure and improve patient survival rates.
Donations towards James' cause can be made through his dedicated fundraising page.
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