100k For 100k: A Relay in Support of Alex Dawson

05 March 2026

Members of the Golf Club Managers’ Association are being encouraged to take part in a powerful fundraising initiative supporting the son of GCMA England Match Co-ordinator Cameron Dawson.

Cameron’s son, Alex Dawson, was given devastating news six years ago when he was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour and told he had just three to six months to live. Defying those expectations, Alex has spent the years since turning his fight into a mission – raising awareness and vital funds for The Brain Tumour Charity.

So far, Alex’s fundraising efforts have raised more than £80,000, and now he has set himself an ambitious new goal: reaching £100,000.

The 100K for 100K Relay Challenge

On 3rd May 2026, Alex will lead a 100km charity relay run along the Leeds–Liverpool Canal, travelling from Accrington to Leeds.

The event, titled “100K for 100K”, aims to bring together teams to collectively complete the 100km route while raising the final £20,000 needed to reach Alex’s £100k milestone.

Participants will run the distance in relay stages of approximately 5–15km, making the challenge accessible to runners of all abilities. Teams are encouraged to consist of around five runners, sharing the distance between them.

Adding to the occasion, former Leeds United player Dominic Mateo will be officially starting the event, helping to raise awareness and support for the cause.

A Cause Close to the GCMA Community

Alex’s determination in the face of his diagnosis has been inspirational, and his fundraising efforts have already made a significant contribution to the work of The Brain Tumour Charity, which funds research, provides support services, and campaigns for better treatments for brain tumour patients.

Reaching the £100,000 milestone would be a remarkable achievement – and GCMA members have the chance to help make it happen.

How GCMA Members Can Help

Members can support the initiative by:

Entering a relay team of five runners
Donating to the fundraising campaign
Sharing the event within their clubs and local communities

Every kilometre run and every pound raised will help support ongoing research and support for those affected by brain tumours.

With Alex’s courage already inspiring thousands, the hope is that the GCMA community can rally together to help carry him across the £100,000 finish line.

Teams Still Needed

While interest has been strong, more relay teams are still needed to help make the event a success. For GCMA members, the relay presents a fantastic opportunity to come together as clubs, regions, or industry colleagues while supporting a cause that is deeply personal to one of the association’s own.

DONATE HERE

By Mark Shanley

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John Steele

John Steele is a former professional athlete, sports coach, Olympic Leader and is the Executive Director of Sport at Loughborough University. He has been Chief Executive across a range of sectors. Drawing on leadership experience of nine different Olympic and Paralympic Games (including the amazing events at the Rio Games), John reflects on the lessons from this unique period in British sport and relays his fascinating views on creating high performing teams.

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Dr Jo Salter MBE

Dr Jo Salter MBE is famed for becoming the first female fast jet pilot, having flown the Panavia Tornado ground attack aircraft during her services in the Royal Air Force. Joining the RAF aged 18, Jo has since taken Air Cadets into the skies as part of Air Experience Flights, become the Director of Global Transformative Leadership for PWC, and most recently become a Global Advisory of GenAI for PwC.

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In 2022, Jo was invited personally by Tom Cruise to attend the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick. Most recently, Jo received an honorary doctorate of Arts from Bournemouth University.