A Wells man whose close friend died from a brain tumour at just 28 years old is preparing to run 126 miles in three days to raise money for charity.

Thomas Palacio, one of James 'Pud' Pullen's closest friends and rugby teammates, will run from Plymouth to Wells in October to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research.

James was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 22 after suffering from seizures and endured six years of treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, before his death in 2015.

Thomas expressed frustration at the lack of progress in research since James' death: "It's unbelievable that we're still in the same place we were when Pud died in 2015. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, yet just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. This is unacceptable!"

The 126-mile run from the University of Plymouth to Wells Town Hall will mark Thomas' fifth fundraising effort for Brain Tumour Research. To date, he has raised over £10,000 for the cause. Before setting off on Friday, 11 October, Thomas and his friends Tommy Corns, Lewis Smith, and Jake Smith will place four tiles on the Wall of Hope at the Plymouth Centre of Excellence in honour of James. Each tile represents a day of research funded by their efforts.

Thomas acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, "Every fundraiser I've done has been difficult in some way, but this is going to be the most challenging yet. We're going to be running an average of 42 miles a day, so it's definitely going to be gruelling! Pud would probably call us stupid for attempting it, he'd be chuckling to himself for sure. But I want to keep doing something for him every year to keep his memory alive, and keep fighting back against this awful disease."

Louise Aubrey, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, praised the efforts of Thomas and his friends: "Brain tumours are indiscriminate, and unfortunately a diagnosis as young as 22 is not uncommon. Thomas and his friends have already done so much to help our mission to find a cure for the disease, and we are so grateful for their ongoing support."

To support Thomas' fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/page/tom-corns-1706812245417.