Challenge in memory of Mia Hankins from Wimborne

Mia Hankins, from Wimborne, died in November 2020, ten days after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

And now 16 colleagues at Laceys Solicitors, the firm where her aunt works, have signed up for the ‘brainathlon’, a walk, run and climb relay challenge for Brain Tumour Research UK, Brain Tumour Research and Epilepsy Research UK.

Participants are asked to complete 26.2 miles during brainathlon week, Monday April 25, to Sunday May 1.

The team from Laceys Solicitors

This is made of 10 miles of walking, 15 miles of running and 1.2 miles of climbing (walking up 2,500 stairs or equivalent).

Mia’s aunt, Laura Hankins, who is a trainee solicitor at Laceys, said: “Mia’s story is totally heart-breaking.

Read more: 100 bikers ride through Wimborne for girl who died with brain tumour

“She was such a brave and beautiful girl, loved so dearly by her family. And she was able to prolong the lives of three others in need through organ donation, making us even more proud of the caring and amazing young lady she was.

“Mia was and always will be a cherished daughter, granddaughter, great granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend.”

Since Mia died, her family has set up a Fundraising Group under the umbrella of Brain Tumour Research called Mia’s Pegasus Fund to help find better outcomes for brain tumour patients and ultimately a cure.

Mia Hankins died just 10 days after brain tumour diagnosis

To date they have raised around £22,230 through a variety of events, including a motorbike ride through Wimborne which was attended by 100s of motorcyclists in July last year.

Sam Burnand, marketing manager at, said: “Laceys is immensely proud of the large number of staff who have put themselves forward to take part in the brainathlon challenge inspired by Laura’s niece Mia. On top of this, the partners have generously committed to adding an extra £1,000 to the final fundraising total.

“We are already in training with walks on Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes along the beach and our programme for brainathlon week will be a five-mile run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, stair-climbing on Tuesday and Thursday and a 10-mile walk followed by a picnic on Saturday. We have also invited families and dogs of the colleagues taking part to join in the fun of the walk and picnic.”

Mel Tiley, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, added: “We are indebted to Laceys Solicitors and Mia’s Pegasus Fund for their support in the fight to find a cure for brain tumours.

“Mia’s story reminds us that just 12.5 per cent of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years compared with an average of 50 per cent across all cancers.

“We cannot allow this desperate situation to continue. Brain Tumour Research is determined to change outcomes for brain tumour patients and ultimately find a cure.”