A SHIRLEY dad who had to re-learn how to walk after a brain tumour diagnosis has taken part in an obstacle race with his three children to help raise awareness of the disease.
Marcus Elwell was joined by his three children, 13-year-old Millie, Noah, 11 and Gracie who is eight, for the Wolf Run in Warwickshire.
The 3km race consisted of Woods, Obstacles, Lakes and Fields.
It was the latest in a string of fundraising events from the 41-year-old, but the first with his children.
Marcus said: “It was a brilliant day of making memories with the children.
“It was a lot muddier than we thought it would be.
“The kids love the mud mountain and lakes and I could tell they were determined to complete the course.
“It was fun to have them with me for this challenge, rather than watching from the sidelines or seeing pictures after the event.
“We enjoyed it so much, we ended up going around the course twice to complete 6km.”
In May 2021, he underwent emergency surgery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham after being diagnosed with a low-grade haemangioblastoma.
There was concern the operation would leave the 41-year-old with life-limiting injuries, and he needed a wheelchair after surgery.
But he learned to walk again and has taken on a series of physical fundraising challenges including a half marathon six months after surgery.
Since his diagnosis, Marcus has raised almost £6,000 for the charity Brain Tumour Research.
Marcus’ youngest daughter, Gracie, has also donated 14 inches of her hair to young people diagnosed with cancer.
And next month, Marcus will be going it alone as he plans to compete in Hyrox Birmingham – a challenge of strength and endurance.
Marcus works as a life coach and credits his positive outlook after his brain tumour diagnosis to his children.
Mel Tiley, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re grateful for Marcus’ continued support and to see him take part in a new challenge, this time with his children, is truly heart-warming.”
For more about Marcus or to donate to his family Wolf Run challenge click here.
