Lancaster woman takes on 100km challenge after losing her mum and battling a brain tumour

Alexa Holland, 39, originally from Lancaster and now based in Hertfordshire, will tackle the 100km Lake District Ultra Challenge this June in memory of her mum Jasmin, while raising money for The Royal Marsden cancer charity.

The challenge holds special meaning for Alexa, whose family ties to the Lake District run deep, including what became their final photo together, taken on the shores of Lake Windermere.

Alexa’s mum Jasmin passed away on January 26 2025 after a five-year battle with ovarian cancer, supported by The Royal Marsden.

Still grieving the loss of her mum, a few months later and only three days before she was due to take part in last year’s Ultra Challenge, she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Alexa underwent major surgery just weeks later, having a craniotomy to remove a 6cm benign tumour. A year on, her scans remain clear and her long-term prognosis is very positive.

Now, she is determined to make it to the start line and complete the challenge she never got the chance to attempt last year. Alexa is fundraising for The Royal Marsden, who looked after her mum.

She said: “My mum's resilience was extraordinary. Despite three rounds of gruelling chemotherapy, major surgery and numerous blood transfusions, she faced every step with courage and determination.

"Thanks to her strength, and the incredible care and pioneering treatments at The Royal Marsden, we were given five more precious years with her.

“Watching the way she faced her illness gave me the strength to overcome my own brain tumour diagnosis and treatment. Whenever this challenge gets tough, I will remind myself that if she could endure all of that, I can handle a few blisters and sore feet.

"Raising money for The Royal Marsden is my way of honouring her legacy and supporting the life-changing work they do.”

Alexa has obliterated her fundraising target of £10,000, so far raising more than £20,000 for The Royal Marsden.

The Lake District Ultra Challenge, taking place on June 6-7, will see thousands of participants walk, jog or run distances of up to 100km through some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery.

Starting and finishing in Kendal, the route takes in iconic locations including Ambleside, the Garburn Pass and the edge of Lake Windermere, a place that holds particularly emotional significance for Alexa.

“One of the photos I treasure most is of me, my mum, dad and sister together at Langdale Chase on Windermere,” she said. “It’s incredibly special knowing I’ll be able to see that spot during the challenge, it feels like she’ll be with me every step of the way.”

Alexa’s connection to the north west remains strong. Her father, Rodney Banks-Lyon, owns a jewellery business in Lancaster, which her sister Maxine now runs, a business in which her mum played an integral role.

Last year’s Lake District Ultra Challenge raised £750,000 for charities, with participants across the UK using the event to support causes close to them.

Now, just a year on from surgery and losing her mother, Alexa is embracing the challenge as a celebration of life.

She added: “There was a time when I couldn’t imagine what the future would look like without my mum, and there were moments when I wasn’t sure I could overcome my own brain tumour without her strength and support.

"Watching the way she faced cancer with such courage taught me more about resilience than I could ever put into words. Standing here about to take on 100km is something I never take for granted.

"This challenge is for my mum, for my family, and for everyone who has faced adversity. Her example showed me that resilience isn’t about never struggling or never being afraid – it’s about finding the strength to keep going when every part of you wants to stop.”

To support Alexa’s fundraising efforts for The Royal Marsden, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/solesisters-100

Limited places remain for 2026’s Lake District Ultra Challenge. Find out more at www.ultrachallenge.com/lake-district-challenge/