The Brain Charity

Fundraising challenges are often about more than the finish line; they’re about honouring the people who mean the most to us. For the Bains family, taking on the Warwick Half Marathon and a simultaneous hiking challenge in Dubai was a heartfelt tribute to their beloved Babaji, Dad and Pops, who passed away unexpectedly in November 2025. 

Together, the family set out to raise £600 for The Brain Charity, supporting people affected by neurological conditions and their families. They have smashed that target raised over £3000. Every mile they ran, walked and climbed was in memory of someone whose kindness, humour and wisdom left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. 

Remembering a remarkable man 

The family lost their beloved Babaji to a brain haemorrhage on 13 November 2025. His passing came as a devastating shock, leaving behind a family who cherished him deeply as a father, grandfather, and mentor. 

His son Dal shared these heartfelt words in memory of his dad: 

“What can I say about this truly remarkable human being who graced us with his presence, humour and love throughout my life? It was an immense pleasure and a privilege to be the one who had the right to call him ‘Dad’.” 

For Dal, his father was more than a parent; he was a guiding voice and a trusted friend. 

“In my eyes, he was the greatest person I could have ever met. My father by birth, but my mentor by faith and support; his conversation was that of the best friend anyone could wish for.” 

The loss has left a deep space in the family’s lives. 

But the lessons he shared, kindness, honesty and compassion, continue to live on through the family he loved so much. 

“I will always endeavour to hold your heart with me every day: your work ethic, your devotion to family, staying true to yourself, and helping others feel good about themselves.” 

Taking on the challenge together 

To honour his memory, the Bains family decided to take on a fundraising challenge together. Priya, her dad Dal and her brother Aaron signed up for the Warwick Half Marathon, while Priya’s sister, who lives in Dubai, completed a mountain hike on the same weekend. 

Before the race began, the atmosphere was electric. 

Priya said: 

“My dad and brother were excited with the buzz of the participants beforehand.” 

Dal took on the challenge at his own pace, jogging parts of the course but mostly walking. What mattered most was finishing together. 

“We crossed the finish line side by side, holding my grandad’s scarf in the air while wearing his cap. It was such a special moment.” 

At the finish line, more family members were waiting, holding a photograph of the man they had come to honour. 

“When we saw his face, it set us all off. It was such an emotional moment.” 

Aaron pushed himself through the race and completed the half-marathon in under three hours. 

Priya explained: 

A challenge across continents 

While the race was underway in the UK, Priya’s sister was taking on her own challenge in Dubai, hiking steep, mountainous terrain in honour of their grandad. 

“The hike was really tough, but we were so proud that she took on the challenge that same weekend.” 

Though they were miles apart, the family were united by the same goal: celebrating the life of a man who meant so much to them. 

Celebrating a life well lived 

After the race, the family gathered to celebrate their achievement and the memory of their beloved Pops. 

“We were all on such a high afterwards. Seeing family along the route, crossing the finish line together and then raising a toast to my grandad at the pub afterwards made it such a special day.” 

The family were also grateful for the support they received from The Brain Charity throughout their fundraising journey. 

“It was a pleasure to raise money for their mission in my grandad’s name.” 

Through their efforts, the Bains family honoured a remarkable man, someone remembered not just for his humour and wisdom, but for the love and guidance he shared with everyone around him. 

And as Dal reflected in his tribute: 

“I know you are shining bright today, giving us a ‘thumbs up’ from the skies to say, ‘Well done.’ Love you lots, Pops.”