A teenager raised thousands of pounds for charity after his uncle died of brain cancer.

Luis Cummings’ uncle Paul Garfoot, from Durham, was just 69 when he died earlier this year having been diagnosed with glioblastoma nine months earlier in June 2023.

Paul’s death left a “void” in the family with nephew Luis, living in Poole, Dorset, deciding to take on a 100-mile bike ride from the Severn Bridge in Wales and Broadstone in England in his uncle’s honour, and raised £1,600 for Brain Tumour Research.

The charity aims to find a cure for the devastating disease.

Luis, 15, said: “My uncle was the most calm, kind and gentle man who I looked up to and admired. He was such a big part of my life growing up, and we shared so many happy times together.

Paul with his wife Janet.Paul with his wife Janet. (Image: PR)

“He loved to cycle and run, inspiring me to become the athlete I am today.

“I’ve been working up to 100 miles for years, and I am so happy to have smashed it in honour of Uncle Paul. I know he would be proud of me.

“Initially, I was aiming to raise £300. To get five times that is incredible. I hope the money raised can make a difference to help defeat this devastating disease which has left a gaping hole in our family.”

Luis with family friend Ali Wallace on the cycle.Luis with family friend Ali Wallace on the cycle. (Image: PR)

In the wake of Paul’s unexpected diagnosis, his health rapidly deteriorated. Bouts of radiotherapy only exacerbated his mobility and memory issues, and by September 2023 he was constrained to spending the majority of his time in bed, unable to move.

“It was especially hard as my aunty and uncle live so far away. Every time I said goodbye, I never knew if it would be for the last time. Now when we go up north to see family, it doesn’t feel right, like something’s missing,” said Luis.

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“Those last times I saw him, however much he was struggling, he would still know I was there and hold my hand, even if he was non-verbal. When he could speak, his memory had become so bad that he’d say the same things over and over. I didn’t mind repeating myself, though, as every conversation was so precious to me.”

Louise Aubrey from Brain Tumour Research said: “We are beyond grateful to Luis for taking on this incredible challenge and raising so much money for Brain Tumour Research.

“Sadly, brain tumours kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002. Only by funding the fight against his disease can we prevent more people from having their families ripped apart.”