09.07.2025

Ultramarathon for cancer

Nick Fox Niftylift's environmental health and safety officer has completed a 200km+ ultramarathon, running from the company's Hoyland fabrication plant in South Yorkshire to its Milton Keynes headquarters facility.

The run was organised to raise funds in memory of late colleague Brailer Cuevas, a senior control systems engineer at the company who passed away on the first of June last year, following complications from leukaemia and just 2 days before his 29th birthday.

The solo challenge was timed to coincide with the first anniversary of Cuevas' death, Fox completed the route in 38 hours and 25 minutes, excluding overnight stops, given the route he clocked up more like 250km/150 miles than the planned 200.

The ultramarathon has so far raised £2,500 for Leukaemia UK, with Fox covering all logistics and equipment costs to ensure donations go directly to the charity. His JustGiving page remains open until 28 August.

Fox said: "Hopefully, I did Brailer proud. It was a rollercoaster with some very interesting sights along the way – but every step was worth it."

Niftylift marketing manager Simon Maher added: "Nick's achievement reflects not only incredible physical endurance but also the deep respect and camaraderie shared within the company. We're all incredibly proud of what he's done to honour Brailer's memory."

In the UK, 28 people are diagnosed with leukaemia every day, with fewer than 60 percent of patients in England surviving more than five years after diagnosis. The disease is also the most common cancer type in children under 17.