THE weather did not dampen the spirits of the many runners who took part in the third Hilly Helmet Challenge at Westbury earlier this month.

The fun-packed, four-mile race on Wednesday, August 14 was organised by brain tumour survivor Robin-Mark Schols, and this year was bigger and better than ever, raising more than £4,000 for the Brain Tumour Support charity.

After complications from brain surgery four years ago, keen runner Robin-Mark Schols had to endure the discomfort and even ridicule of wearing a helmet as he trained to gain back his fitness.

This inspired him to organise the Hilly Helmet Challenge, as a way of raising funds and awareness for brain tumours.

This year 185 runners donned helmets of all shapes and sizes and braved the rain to take part.

Warminster’s John Reed put in an impressive performance to complete the course in 27:37 and lead the runners home in slippery conditions. First lady was Jen Marlow, completing the course in a time of 33:58.

The prize for Best Helmet went to three time Hilly Helmet runner Jenna Lovelock for a stunning papier mache creation featuring the logo of the charity Brain Tumour Support as well as an intricate 3D brain design, completed with flashing lights.

Mr Schols said: “The total raised from the event this year has surpassed our wildest hopes and we can’t thank everybody enough for their generosity through giving time, donations of money and prizes.

“I would like to thank our event partners who foot the bill to make it all happen and ensure our charity Brain Tumour Support get every penny that the runners give us.”

Tina Mitchell Skinner, CEO and founder of Brain Tumour Support, said: “The money raised by this year’s Hilly Helmet Challenge is enough to fund one of our support groups for nine months. It is an amazing amount of money and will make a real difference to the lives of the people we support."

"We rely entirely on donations such as this to run our services, which are a lifeline to thousands of brain tumour patients and their families across the UK.

"Adding the funds from this year’s Hilly Helmet Challenge to Robin’s previous fundraising for Brain Tumour Support brings his total raised to more than £11,200.

"He has now raised enough funds to run two of our Support Groups for an entire year – what an amazing achievement."

Brain Tumour Support is dedicated to providing support for patients, families and carers so that no-one feels alone facing the effects of a brain tumour diagnosis.

The charity provides individualised and specialist information, guidance and emotional support, at any point from diagnosis and for as long as it is needed.