17/06/2026
“What started as a huge challenge quickly became something far tougher than we ever imagined. But we completed it - to honour my brother.�To raise awareness & funds for Anthony Nolan.�And to prove that even through pain, grief & struggle - you keep moving forward.”
Last month, Lee and his friend Shai completed an extraordinary endurance challenge in memory of Lee’s brother, Aaron.
Over 11 days, Lee and Shai:
🚴♂️ cycled 1875 km – the length of the UK, battling brutal weather, exhaustion and sleep deprivation
🧗♂️ climbed 47km - including carrying their bikes up the UK’s largest three mountains
🚣♂️ kayaked 61 km - the largest lakes in England, Scotland and Wales
All in memory of Aaron.
At just 28 years old, Aaron was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia and received a stem cell transplant as part of his treatment. After a long journey and a relapse in 2017 heartbreakingly, just 18 months later, Aaron passed away surrounded by family and friends. He left behind three young sons, Alfie, Jacob and Finley.
Before he passed, Aaron had started fundraising for Anthony Nolan himself. Lee made a promise to continue that mission.
Over the years, Lee has taken on some hugely physical challenges – including cycling from London to Paris in 24 hours, from Lands End to John o Groats in just 5 days, and cycling between the Three Peaks – then climbing them with their bikes on their backs.
“This was the final challenge, and it really was tough. And it pushed us further than expected. Through relentless wind and rain, dangerous conditions on the water, physical breakdown, sleep deprivation, and even a high-speed crash, we kept moving forward - fuelled by purpose, grit, and Aaron’s memory.”
“To my big brother Aaron - I hope we’ve made you proud. I hope somewhere you were watching, laughing at us, shaking your head at the chaos at times, and guiding us in your own way.”
“And to Shai - I genuinely do not know another man who could have stood beside me and completed what we’ve just done. Through every climb, every lake, every setback, every dark moment and every ridiculous day of exhaustion - you never once wavered. I genuinely could not have done this without you”.
Together, Lee, Shai and their supporters have now raised over £3,800 for Anthony Nolan and hope to reach £5,000 - helping families navigating the stem cell transplant journey and giving them hope.
Thank you, Lee and Shai, for turning grief into purpose, and for honouring Aaron in such an extraordinary way 💚