When serious illness transformed Ellis Healy's life, his closest friend Harry Clesham responded with an extraordinary commitment – pledging to perform a handstand every single day throughout 2026 to generate vital funds for The Brain Tumour Charity, Ellis's chosen cause.
An Unusual Fundraising Commitment
Harry Clesham, who resides in southwest London, has already gathered more than £2,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity through social media engagement and his dedicated fundraising page. His handstand technique has progressed remarkably, now enabling him to walk several steps while inverted. He shares daily video updates of his activities on Instagram, performing his handstands in diverse locations including pubs, pavements, gym facilities, holiday destinations, and hotel rooms.
A Friendship Forged at University
Harry and Ellis originally met as students at Leicester University in 2011, sharing accommodation in the same halls of residence during their first year. They connected during Freshers' Week activities and both joined the university rugby team, establishing a bond that would endure through significant life challenges.
Ellis, now 33, had initially planned to follow his father into butchery, but both friends completed a year working in London before returning to Leicester for their final examinations. They subsequently moved back to London to pursue careers in technology companies. Harry further demonstrated his commitment to their friendship by serving as groomsman and Master of Ceremonies when Ellis married his wife Hannah in 2024.
A Complex Medical Journey
Ellis has navigated substantial health difficulties since receiving a Crohn's disease diagnosis at age 11. Treatment involved immunosuppressant medication that ceased being effective when he reached 27. While awaiting scheduled keyhole surgery, he required emergency hospital admission for an intestinal blockage that was discovered to be a tumour, leading to a non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis.
Fortunately, medical professionals detected the condition early, treating it with six rounds of R-CHOP chemotherapy – a combination incorporating four different drugs alongside a steroid. However, a subsequent PET scan revealed concerning results when contrast dye failed to show uptake on the right side of his brain, with follow-up imaging confirming a brain tumour.
Multiple Medical Challenges
Ellis explained: "I was scheduled for keyhole surgery to address my Crohn's disease but ultimately underwent four separate surgical procedures and experienced two episodes of sepsis that triggered cardiac arrest. Following discharge, I wore a wearable defibrillator vest continuously, including during work and gym sessions, which proved particularly challenging."
Once his infection resolved, treatment planning focused on his brain tumour, but required initial implantation of a permanent defibrillator. In March of last year, Ellis suffered three consecutive seizures, beginning with one during sleep that awakened his wife, who promptly summoned emergency services.
Six months after the seizures and defibrillator implantation, Ellis underwent an awake craniotomy to remove a grade 2 to 3 astrocytoma, from which he continues his recovery process.
Support Through Friendship and Fundraising
Throughout these medical challenges, Harry has provided consistent support to Ellis – maintaining humour about his fashion choices while wearing the defibrillator vest and, when health permitted, enjoying camping trips along the Dorset coastline. It was during such moments that the fundraising concept emerged.
The Jurassic Coast Inspiration
Harry described the challenge's origins: "Ellis has demonstrated exceptional friendship since we first met, with his strength, humour and resilience proving genuinely inspiring. The fundraising idea developed after we spent two days walking together along the Jurassic Coast, discussing his experiences and how I could offer meaningful support."
Ellis added: "I recommended The Brain Tumour Charity because their comprehensive resources provide essential information about living with illness, preparing for future challenges, and overcoming difficulties. Their materials have helped both me and my family understand the situation in our own time."
A Commitment Beyond Handstands
Harry emphasised the deeper significance of his challenge: "The fundamental principle remains straightforward – regardless of daily circumstances, there's always time to support this important cause. This endeavour extends beyond handstands to standing alongside a friend during brain tumour surgery recovery, raising awareness about brain tumours' impact on individuals and families, and supporting The Brain Tumour Charity's research, care and services."
He concluded: "I will continue this commitment day by day, handstand by handstand, and donation by donation, for Ellis and everyone affected by brain tumours."
