Northumberland teenager completes three triathlons in three days for Brain Tumour Research

Ava Vardy, 17, from Hexham, joined friends Izzy Holland, 17, from Yorkshire, and Emily Hankey, 16, from Cumbria and Dorset, in undertaking their ‘3 Girls, 3 Olympic Triathlons, 3 Days’ challenge at Sedbergh School in Cumbria from June 12 – 14.

The Year 12 students completed a 1.5km swim, a 40km cycle and a 10km run on each day of the challenge in memory of Ava's cousin, Max Vardy, who was 25 when he died, and Izzy's aunt, Debbie Holland, who was 47.

The girls completed the challenge in support of Brain Tumour Research, the only national charity focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours.

Ava said: “Max was such a buoyant and adventurous person. He was ambitious, kind and relished any kind of challenge. His constant determination and positivity are qualities I aspire to live with for the rest of my life.

“For me, this challenge was about trying to live with Max’s discipline, tenacity and positivity. He faced everything that came his way with incredible determination and never lost sight of who he was.

“I believe Max would be proud of my friends and me for taking on the challenge. It wasn't only about the physical difficulty and months of training, but also about raising awareness and funding research so that other families don't have to go through what ours has.”

Max, from Surrey, died in September 2025 after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable type of brain tumour. He was just 24 when he was diagnosed in June 2024.

A sustainability consultant and fitness enthusiast, Max initially attributed worsening headaches to stress before seeking medical attention after experiencing visual disturbances.

Scans later revealed a 4-5cm lesion on the left side of his brain and further investigations confirmed it was cancerous.

Due to the tumour’s location, surgery to remove it wasn’t possible. Throughout his illness, Max underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy while documenting his journey on social media to raise awareness of brain tumours and the chronic underfunding of research into the disease.

He also supported Brain Tumour Research through fundraising initiatives and advocated for greater investment in research.

Izzy was also motivated by personal loss following the death of her aunt, Debbie.

She said: “My Auntie Debbie was such an inspiration to me and everyone around her, no matter what she was facing.

“This challenge was my chance to fulfil the promise I made to remember her endeavours and her constant determination. I knew she would be in the back of my mind during every swim, cycle and run.”

By completing their triathlons, Ava, Izzy and Emily have raised more than £5,000, enough to fund more than a day’s research into brain tumours.

Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Ava, Izzy and Emily for completing this extraordinary challenge.

“After experiencing the devastating impact that brain tumours and cancer have had on their families, they chose to channel their grief into something positive by raising awareness and funding vital research.”

To support the girls’ fundraiser, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/3girls3days3triathlons