A BASILDON family is taking on a year-long fundraising challenge in memory of dad, Steve Shotter, who died suddenly from a brain aneurysm while on holiday in Devon last year.

Steve, a 61-year-old painter and decorator, collapsed without warning while on holiday in Brixham with his wife. He was airlifted to hospital by the Devon Air Ambulance and underwent emergency brain surgery but passed away ten days later.

Now, his son Luke and their wider family are taking on 12 challenges in 12 months to raise money for HBA Support, the UK's only dedicated brain aneurysm charity.

So far, they've completed challenges including climbing Ben Nevis, a 300-mile cycle, and a four-day 70 mile coastal walk back to Brixham with their mum, aged 62, joining in too. Upcoming events include Tough Mudder, Hadrian's Wall, Cardiff Half Marathon, and a Hyrox fitness competition.

Luke (far right) with his mother and brothers on the top of Ben Nevis last month.

The year will finish with Luke running a marathon dressed as Santa — ending at West Ham's stadium in tribute to his dad, a lifelong fan and season ticket holder.

Luke says: "This is for Dad — and for all the other families going through this without warning, support or understanding. Before this happened, I'd heard the word 'aneurysm' but I didn't know what it really meant. After Dad passed, I started researching and realised how little is out there.

"Finding HBA Support was a turning point. It's the only UK charity focused specifically on brain aneurysms, and it was the first place that really helped me understand what happened to Dad — and what we, as a family, needed to know for the future. I'm doing this to raise money, yes — but also to raise awareness, because no one should be left in the dark about a condition this serious."

The family has already raised more than £2,600 for HBA Support and will host a quiz night this September, with donations kindly matched by Luke's friend's employer.

Rebecca Middleton, Founder and CEO of HBA Support added: "Luke and his family represent everything we stand for at HBA: bravery, love, and a determination to turn loss into action. Brain aneurysms are often overlooked, underfunded and misunderstood, and yet they affect thousands of families each year.

"We are incredibly proud to have Luke as one of our first official Fundraising Champions. The money he's raising will go directly into supporting patients and families, improving understanding of hereditary risk, and funding research into better outcomes. He's creating a wonderful legacy for his dad, and helping to give other families hope."

Follow Luke's journey: @12monthchallengeforhba

Donate: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/12-Month-Challenge