A GRANDFATHER dubbed the “original Captain Tom” after walking a marathon by doing laps of his garden during lockdown has died.

Paul Mason, from Guisborough, was raising money for Brain Tumour Support.

The 74-year-old, who was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumour last year, completed the challenge in April, after deciding he did not want to sit around during lockdown.

He raised more than £2,000, to which he added a further £1,000 from his own pocket.

Mr Mason, a retired lorry driver, died on July 27.

Dan Holliday, his grandson, said: “I don’t think I could complete a marathon so huge respect to my grandad.

"Brain Tumour Support are an amazing charity which are now so close to our hearts and have been fully supportive throughout.

"He’s a giant amongst men and we’re all so proud of everything that he achieved, a true inspiration to us all.

"He was smiling right until the end and was very thankful for all the support he got during his illness especially when he did his marathon fundraiser and he will be sadly missed by us all."

The Northern Echo:

Mr Mason, who was originally from Swainby in North Yorkshire, lived in Guisborough for much of his life.

He is survived by his partner Marj, daughters Andrea, Sue and Karen, and grandchildren; Dan, Ella, Robert, James and Kate.

He was passionate about his motorbikes and enjoyed walking with his daughters and his dog, Charlie.

His funeral was held on Wednesday and a collection in his memory was donated to three charities, including Brain Tumour Support.

Nadya Anscombe, communication manager for the charity, said: "Paul was the original ‘Captain Tom’ and an inspiration to us all.

The Northern Echo:

“A brain tumour diagnosis, whether cancerous or non-cancerous, is devastating to the patient and their family and to have to go through this during a pandemic is heart-breaking.

“Our vision is that no-one is alone when faced with a brain tumour diagnosis and our services are needed now more than ever. But with traditional fundraising events cancelled, we urgently need funds in order to survive.

"That’s why we are so grateful to Paul and to everyone who has donated to Paul’s fundraiser. Paul was an inspiration to us all at Brain Tumour Support and our thoughts are with his family.”