Four former schoolmates from North Yorkshire are set to tackle the epic Marathon des Sables: The Legendary to raise vital funds for research into brain tumours.

Will Theile, 31, from York, will take on ‘the world’s toughest footrace’ alongside childhood friends Hector Tulloch, Josh Reid and Geordie Tulloch . They will race in memory of Will’s mother-in-law, Carol Murphy, who died of a brain tumour last year.

Carol, from Northern Ireland (pictured with Will), was diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma in late 2022, and was given a prognosis of just six to 12 months. Bravely defying these devastating odds, Carol lived until September 2024, during which time she was able to attend three of her daughters’ weddings and meet two of her grandchildren. She died age 62, surrounded by her family at home.

Will said: “Carol was a remarkable woman who was taken from us far too soon. Her diagnosis was devastating and came out of nowhere. We want to honour her memory by doing this mad challenge, and help fund research that could lead to better outcomes for others who are suffering from this terrible disease.”

Carol’s fighting spirit will be the inspiration for Will and his teammates as they tackle the 252km self-sufficient race across the Sahra Desert in April. With temperatures expected to exceed 50°C, they will traverse towering sand dunes and unforgiving terrain over a period of six gruelling days.

Will said: “The training is intense. We’ve been averaging 100km a week, fitting in ultramarathons and long-distance runs around our busy schedules. It’s brutal but knowing why we’re doing this makes it all worthwhile. Every mile we run is for Carol and the families who could be helped with the funds we’ll raise.”

The group, who met at Ampleforth College in Yorkshire, have also applied for a Guinness World Record as the heaviest team of four to complete the race, with a combined weight of over 450 kilograms.

Will, who recently became a father, said: “I’m looking forward to the day when I can tell my little one about this incredible challenge, why I did it, and how wonderful his grandmother was.”

“We hope this challenge inspires others to push their limits and support causes that matter. The funds we raise will go directly towards advancing research into brain tumours and improving outcomes for patients.”