North East Woman Runs 100km In Secret To Surprise Her Dad
Chloe Pearson, an Employee Relations Advisor at Vertu Motors, has stunned colleagues, friends and even her own family after secretly running 100 kilometres over a month - finishing her final kilometre outside a pub so she could burst through the door and surprise her dad, the man who inspired her challenge.
What began as a modest £250 target has ended with a very proud father and an extraordinary £3,768 raised for Brain Tumour Research.
Chloe set off on the month-long mission following her father’s diagnosis in July 2025, keeping the entire fundraiser hidden from him, telling friends not to breathe a word and joking that he would simply think she had “suddenly become a runner”.
Her final kilometre, planned with military-level secrecy, ended at her local pub, where her dad walked in unaware of what was coming.
Moments later, Chloe revealed both the total raised and the reason for all those miles.
Looking back on the challenge, Chloe said: “I decided to do the challenge to spread awareness and raise money for such an underfunded cause. Following my dad’s diagnosis last year, I have never felt so helpless, so I did whatever I could to try and help.
“I am blown away with how generous people have been, I will never forget the support we received. Finishing the challenge felt great, but seeing my dad’s face when we surprised him with what had been going on was another feeling altogether, indescribable in fact.
“Together we will find a cure.”
Brain tumours remain one of the UK’s most devastating and underfunded diseases. One in three people knows someone affected, and despite the scale of its impact, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to the condition since 2002.
Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity dedicated to funding continuous scientific research into all types of brain tumours.
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive at Vertu Motors, said: “Chloe’s challenge shows remarkable determination and heart. What she’s achieved - both in distance and in fundraising - is outstanding. Her commitment reflects the values we hold dear as a business, and we’re incredibly proud of her.
“Chloe’s story has touched colleagues across the company, many of whom donated and followed her progress throughout the month.”