Former Royal Marine with incurable cancer to take on endurance test for charity

Lance Corporal Rian ‘Twiggy’ Ilett was diagnosed with a brain tumour after he was caught in an explosion while on operations in the Middle East in February 2019.

After being evacuated to the UK, an MRI scan showed the tumour – diagnosed as a stage 4 glioblastoma brain cancer – and dad-of-two Twiggy was given 12 to 15 months to live.
“But I’m still here five years later,” said Twiggy. “I was medically discharged from the military and my life changed forever.

“I had a very colourful career and loved every minute of it, but what I’ve decided to do to raise money to try to combat this cruel disease is to come back to where it all started and do the Royal Marines Commando Endurance Course in full test conditions.”

Twiggy is heading to the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon, as he continues to raise money for Brian Tumour Research and wellbeing charity RV-ONE.

Eighteen years since he was there as a recruit, Twiggy will attempt the Royal Marines Endurance Commando Test, which includes two miles of tunnels, streams, pools, woods, and bogs, then a run back to camp. Recruits must also pass a shooting test with a score of at least six out of ten.

“My aim is to try to help with the fight against such a nasty disease and support anyone who struggles with mental health,” Twiggy added.

“Any amount of money no matter how small is welcome.”

Twiggy’s fundraising page can be found HERE