Neuroscience student’s self-diagnosis inspires epic fundraising challenge for brain tumour research
A former neuroscience student's early recognition of her own brain tumour has inspired an extraordinary fundraising challenge to fund more research.
Ella Syder-Mills was just 20 years old and studying neuroscience at Keele University when she realised that symptoms she was experiencing could indicate a brain tumour, after learning about the symptoms during lectures. Drawing on her academic knowledge, she sought medical advice and was diagnosed early, allowing her to begin treatment sooner than many patients are able to.
Her experience has since prompted her brother, Jack Syder-Mills, aged 27, to take on an exceptional endurance challenge to raise awareness and funds for brain tumour research. On 1 January 2026, Jack ran six consecutive half marathons - beginning at midnight in Norwich and finishing 19 hours and 52 minutes later on the Norfolk coast at Cromer.
Jack said the challenge was inspired by Ella's diagnosis and the wider lack of funding for brain tumour research.
Ella, who graduated from Keele in 2024 with first class honours, said: "At the time, I was experiencing persistent fatigue and noticeable memory issues, which were out of character for me. I remember feeling constantly exhausted and increasingly concerned that something wasn’t right, even though the symptoms could have been dismissed as stress or overwork.
"Throughout my degree, I had attended lectures covering different brain pathologies including brain tumours, which made me more aware of how neurological symptoms can be present. This knowledge gave me the confidence to clearly explain my concerns to my GP, and advocate for further investigation, in this case specifically an MRI scan. Without my background in neuroscience, my symptoms might have been more easily overlooked or dismissed."
Ella was told she had a pituitary tumour in July 2023 and given the option of having transsphenoidal surgery, where the tumour is removed through the nose, or medication to shrink the tumour over seven years. She opted for medication, which has so far been successful.
Jack has raised more than £8,000 for Brain Tumour Research, against an initial target of £5,000. Funds raised from the challenge will go towards supporting research aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for people affected by brain tumours.
Ella, who is now studying medicine, said: "My personal experience has given me a much deeper understanding and empathy for patients, particularly for those who struggle to articulate their symptoms or feel their concerns aren’t being taken seriously.
"Now studying medicine, I feel this experience has reinforced the importance of listening carefully to patients and not making assumptions. I’m currently considering a career in neurology, and possibly neurosurgery, although I'm remaining open minded at this stage."
