Two friends from Somerset, Thomas Palacio and Tommy Corns in the process a three-day marathon challenge spanning a total of 78 miles, all in tribute to a cherished friend.

The duo set out from Wells Rugby Club on Thursday, August 3, their mission is to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research.

The inspiration behind this feat is their rugby friend, James Pullen who tragically lost his life to a brain tumour in 2015, after an initial diagnosis six years earlier that led to seizures, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy treatments. James was only 28 when he passed away in December 2015.

Since James' untimely death, fundraising efforts in his honour have garnered thousands of pounds.

In the previous year, Thomas, now 33, ran an impressive 50-mile ultramarathon, raising hundreds. This year, Tommy, 35, will join him in an endurance test of their own.

James Pullen and best friend Thomas Palacio. Credit: Brain Tumour Research)

Thomas said: "Doing these challenges is a way of keeping James' memory alive for his friends and family. There are still people who are devastated by this disease and this is our way, as his best mates, to keep the conversation about brain tumours alive and how the funding into research is still so behind other cancers, so we can make a positive change."

Training for this triple-marathon challenge includes running multiple laps around Wells Rugby Club during the first two days— a fitting choice, as it's where they first met James. On Saturday, August 5, the duo will venture out from Wells, run through Glastonbury, Street, Shepton Mallet, and then return to Wells to conclude their challenge, accompanied by their friends.

Reflecting on the impending task, Thomas said: "It's going to be tough mentally to do this over three days whereas my previous event was a one-day-and-done situation. There's a quote from the author Terry Pratchett: 'No one is finally dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away'. It's something which resonates with everything we do with our fundraising to remember James."

Mel Tiley, the community development manager at Brain Tumour Research said: "Thomas and Tommy's challenges in memory of James show how important their friendship was. To run one marathon is tough, but three in three days is most certainly a feat to be praised. Years after his death, James has left a legacy for brain tumour patients and inspired wonderful fundraising events to raise awareness and funds for research into brain tumours.

"We are grateful for their support and wish the running duo the best of luck for their challenge."

If you are moved by this story and would like to contribute to Brain Tumour Research, donations can be made through Thomas' JustGiving page, which is accessible via the link here.