Fundraiser completes 12 marathons in 12 days in memory of friend

Josh Burniston completed the challenge in memory of his friend, Andi Peel, who died from a brain tumour

The friend of a 30-year-old man who died from a brain tumour has completed 12 marathons in 12 days.

Josh Burniston, from Leicestershire, took on the feat of running, rowing, skiing and cycling on 1 December.

The 26-year-old finished the challenge on Tuesday in memory of his friend, Andi Peel, who died on 11 January.

Mr Burniston, from Groby, has so far raised more than £7,000 for Brain Tumour Research - to add to the £18,000 raised by Mr Peel's family.

"My legs and knees are a bit sore, but it's been an incredible experience," he said.

"I'm blown away by how generous people have been. Knowing I am helping to fund research into brain tumours, and what Andi went through, has driven me on.

"I've had so much support, and Andi's mum Linda joined me on the bikes for the final day which was lovely.

"It really topped off an amazing 12 days."

Andi Peel died from a glioblastoma in January, three years after being diagnosed in 2020

Mr Peel, also from Groby, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in January 2020, prompting him to join family and friends in raising money for research and awareness.

His mother said Mr Burniston's achievement in completing 12 marathons in 12 days was "incredible".

"I'm so proud and grateful to this amazing young man for the massive challenge he took on to raise money for Brain Tumour Research in honour of my hero Andi," she said.

"It was an honour to be there at the finish line with Josh. I know Andi would be more than proud of him for doing this."

Mr Peel's mother Linda said it was an "honour to be there at the finish line" with Mr Burniston

Matthew Price, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Congratulations to Josh for completing this unbelievable challenge.

"We are so grateful to him as it's only with the support of people like him that we're able to progress our research."