Brain tumour survivor organises Hilly Helmet Challenge for the third year running

Register now for your place in the Hilly Helmet Challenge 2019 – a 4(ish)-mile multi-terrain run to raise funds for the charity Brain Tumour Support. 

Organised by Robin-Mark Schols, who had to wear a helmet after surgery to remove a brain tumour, the event starts from Leighton Recreation Centre, Westbury, BA13 3PT at 7pm on Wednesday 14th August. 

After having a brain tumour removed in 2009, Robin took up running to stay fit and lose weight. Encouraged by his progress, Robin joined a running club and started entering races across the country. “By 2015 I was smashing times like I never imagined possible,” said Robin. “I ran the Bath half marathon in 81 minutes and at the London marathon I recorded a time of 2:53:21 to set a new club record for my age group at my running club; I was 53 at the time.” 

Soon after the London marathon, Robin became unwell again with a brain infection and was told that he would need surgery. Surgeons had to remove part of Robin’s skull as it was badly infected, leaving him with a hole in his head. Until the hole in his skull could be repaired with a titanium plate, Robin had to wear a helmet everywhere he went, even on his runs. 

“I had to stay off work but started to run gently as it was my little piece of normality amongst the madness of wearing a helmet everywhere I went, and the mockery that often went with it.” 

Robin had his titanium plate fitted in June 2016 and soon returned to training. “I ran the London marathon just 10 months after the surgery, finishing in a time of 3 hours 11 minutes and raised money for Brain Tumour Support while doing so.” 

Using his own experience of running with a helmet, Robin started planning the Hilly Helmet Challenge The first event was in 2017 and each year the event is becoming more popular. “This helmet running event is an opportunity for other people to find out just how hard it was for me when I ran in my helmet, while also helping to raise money for Brain Tumour Support.”

The 4(ish)-mile route takes you through stunning Wiltshire countryside with fantastic views. As the name of the challenge suggests, there is a hill! 

This is the third year of the Hilly Helmet Challenge and Robin hopes it will help him smash his £10,000 fundraising target.

Fancy dress is encouraged and wearing a helmet is essential – any helmet, decorated or not. There will be a prize for the best helmet as well as first male and first female finishers. 

Entry fees are £11 affiliated, £13 unattached or £16 on the night if entries are still available. Entrants must be 15 years old or over on event day. Drinks will be available from the bar and there will be a barbecue.

For more information and to register, please visit https://orangehelmet events.org.uk/