A Baldock husband and wife are set to tackle two fundraising events in a weekend to support Brain Tumour Research in her dad’s memory.

The Comet: Baldock fundraising pair Steph and Ben Merison with Steph's late father Mike Maine, in whose memory they are raising money for Brain Tumour Research.Baldock fundraising pair Steph and Ben Merison with Steph's late father Mike Maine, in whose memory they are raising money for Brain Tumour Research. (Image: Archant)

Steph Merison’s father Mike Maine died from a grade four glioblastoma in late July – and she and her husband Ben are honouring his memory by taking on the 11-mile Brain Tumour Research Canal Walk this Saturday.

The next day, Ben is taking on a 12-mile Tough Mudder obstacle race in London, across raw woodland, gruelling trails and lots of mud.

Steph said: “Emotions are very raw at the moment because Dad passed away just eight weeks ago after a 17-month battle with his glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive tumour types.

“I count myself lucky that even though he was weak, he was able to walk me down the aisle when Ben and I got married.

“It is shocking that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 each year than any other cancer, yet just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

“That’s why we have been supporting Brain Tumour Research, because it’s so important that a cure is found.”

Their fundraising target for the weekend is £1,000, which will be added to more than £3,000 already raised through a Much Loved tribute page to Mike.

Steph and Ben also supported the brain tumour awareness event Wear A Hat Day in March, and raised £600 when they took on the Baldock Beast in February.

Saturday’s canal walk sets off from Stoke Hammond, near Milton Keynes, and takes hikers along the Grand Union canal.

“It was devastating for Steph and her mum, Sue, to find out that Mike had this aggressive and devastating tumour,” said Ben.

“We are now committed to raising as much money as possible to ensure that other families don’t have to suffer like we did. It’s going to be a physically tough weekend, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Paula Rastrick, Brain Tumour Research’s community fundraising manager, said: “I am so proud of Steph and Ben for their commitment to raising money in memory of Mike. They have already done so much, but are relentless in their ambition to fund the fight.

“To take on one event is admirable, but to then do another the following day is incredible!

“I really hope that they smash their fundraising target, and have a great time while doing it.”

If you’d like to support Steph and Ben and help them reach their fundraising target, see justgiving.com/ben-and-ellie.