A London-based musician diagnosed with a brain tumour serves as inspiration for Brighton’s upcoming triathlon fundraiser

London Musician’s Inspiring Story Inspires Fundraiser for Brain Tumour Research

London, UK – A talented musician from London, who tragically passed away at the young age of 23 from a rare brain tumour, has inspired three friends to take part in the Brighton and Hove Triathlon on August 31st, 2025. The purpose of the triathlon is to raise funds for vital research into this devastating disease.

Alexander Bernard-Bell, known by his stage name Syren, was diagnosed with a low grade glioma called DLGNT in October 2021. At the time, there were only 100 reported cases of this type of tumour in medical literature and his oncologist had never encountered it before.

Despite consulting with doctors and researchers from around the world, Alexander’s family was unable to find a treatment that could extend his life. In August 2024, his condition worsened and he was admitted to Charing Cross Hospital. He spent 178 days in intensive care, undergoing four major brain surgeries and developing HSV encephalitis. Unfortunately, no further treatment was available and Alexander passed away at the end of January.

Alexander was a valued Young Ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity, the largest dedicated funder of research into primary brain tumours globally. His sister, Hannah, who is also a Young Ambassador, continues to raise awareness of the disease and support those affected by a diagnosis.

In April, Hannah’s husband, Alex Preston, ran the London Marathon the day after their wedding and raised an impressive £30,000 for The Charity. He is now participating in the triathlon as part of a relay team, with Theo Jessel swimming, Andy Dodds cycling, and Alex running the final leg.

Alexander’s mother, Katie, shared, “It took a year to diagnose Alexander’s brain cancer, despite relentless migraines, nausea, and papilledema (swelling of the optic nerve), which eventually led to him losing sight in his right eye. It was a third operation on his lower spine that finally revealed the type of tumour he had – Diffuse Leptomeningeal Glioneuronal Tumour (DLGNT).”

“At the time of Alexander’s diagnosis, our family felt completely lost. We didn’t know anyone else with DLGNT and we were terrified at the realization that there is currently no cure for this rare form of cancer. In response, we have created a website to provide information about DLGNT and have established an international community of DLGNT patients, neuro-oncologists, and researchers. We have partnered with three world-class brain tumour charities – Kindred Foundation in Canada, the Pediatric Brain Tumour Foundation in the USA, and The Brain Tumour Charity in the UK – to raise awareness and funds for brain cancer research.”

So far, Team Syren has raised over £124,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity. Alexander’s family and friends are determined to do what they can to prevent other families from experiencing the heartache they have gone through. To support Alex and Team Syren’s efforts, visit their fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/alex-preston-4.