AN Ammanford man will be taking on a triple marathon challenge after being inspired by the death of his father-in-law.

Dylan James will be running the Llanelli Half Marathon in February, the Tenby Marathon in June and the Cardiff Half Marathon in October, fundraising for Brain Tumour Research.

The 35-year-old was inspired to take on the challenge after the death of his 71-year-old father-in-law Mike McGrane last September, just three months after he was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM) – a type of brain tumour.

Doctors thought that Mike had suffered a stroke after he appeared vacant but further tests showed he had lost some vision in his left eye and a scan showed the deadly tumour on his brain.

“Everything happened quickly from when Mike was diagnosed. We were thrust into a world we knew nothing about,” said Dylan, a Welsh Water engineer.

“The consultant quickly ruled out an operation and said that radiotherapy wouldn’t make a difference as his cancer was so aggressive. He lost mobility and needed a wheelchair to get around. It was a shock to see how rapidly Mike deteriorated.”

The 35-year-old father-of-two has been training for the run and says that remembering what Mike went through is motivation for him on cold days. He said: “Training is going well, it’s sometimes hard to get up and go out into the cold but remembering what Mike went through is plenty motivation.

“When times feel tough, I remember the strength he showed during his diagnosis.”

Dylan is hoping to raise £2,740 which is the equivalent cost of a day’s research to find kinder treatments for brain tumours and eventually a cure for all types of brain tumours after speaking with the consultant looking after Mike.

He said: “The consultant told us that there had ben no real movement in brain tumour treatment for decades. It’s only when you have a loved one going through it, that you realise how common the disease is. I’ve noticed stories of other patients of various ages. It’s terrifying how many people it affects.

“I want to raise awareness to help future generations diagnosed with a brain tumour, to give them the best chance of surviving such a horrendous diagnosis.”

16,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year but there is not enough research into the disease and its treatments. Brain Tumour Research funds research at dedicated centres in the UK and campaigns for the government and larger cancer charities to invest more into researching brain tumours. The charity is calling for an annual spend of £35million to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers like breast cancer and leukaemia. To donate to support Dylan’s challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/page/dylan-james-1704574715886.