Why it matters: Tilly Felton is using her platform and physical ability to raise awareness of how underfunded brain tumour research is, whilst supporting her close friend Lottie and her family through an incredibly difficult time.
The details: The challenge sees Tilly complete one full hour on the Stairmaster every single day for 30 days straight, with friends, family and social media followers setting extra mini challenges and dares throughout to keep things engaging.
So far, she has completed sessions in six-inch heels, dressed as Pitbull the singer, and even in an inflatable dinosaur costume.
The challenge is for Lottie's dad, Simon, a consultant radiologist who was diagnosed around two years ago with a terminal brain tumour, and has gone through many rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, whilst continuing to work at the hospital and make memories with his friends and family.
"Watching someone you care about go through something like this changes your perspective completely," Tilly said. "You realise how suddenly life can shift, and how much strength not only the patient but also their family and friends have to find every single day."
Donations go directly to The Brain Tumour Charity, which funds life-saving research into better treatments and ultimately a cure, provides emotional and practical support for patients and families, and helps people recognise symptoms earlier.
The big picture: Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 in the UK, yet receive only a small percentage of national cancer research funding.
What she's saying: "This challenge is for Simon, for Lottie, and for every family who is facing the fear and uncertainty that comes with a brain tumour diagnosis," Tilly said.
"In a perfect world, I would love to raise as much money as possible to support the incredible work The Brain Tumour Charity does, while also helping to raise awareness of just how many lives are affected by this illness."
She added: "Beyond fundraising, I want people to stop and talk about brain tumours more openly – to understand the impact not only on the patient but on their loved ones too."
For context: Tilly is a personal trainer and online coach, helping people build confidence and healthier lifestyles while working towards the body they have always wanted, without extreme restriction or unrealistic routines.
Her coaching is centred around creating sustainable habits and building programmes that fit around each individual's lifestyle, aimed at everyday people, whether they are beginners, those who feel intimidated by the gym, or those who have tried multiple diets and plans before and want something more realistic and supportive.
People can follow the journey and the Stairmaster challenge on Instagram at instagram.com/feltonfitness.
The bottom line: Tilly has raised £1,111 of her £1,500 target from 41 supporters. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a real difference to families affected by brain tumours.
