Ultramarathon to Brighton after remarkable paralysis recovery

Dutch DJ and 600-million streaming artist Mason – best known for global hit Exceeder (featured in Saltburn) – is set to run a 100km ultra marathon from London to Brighton on May 23, an almost unimaginable challenge given that just a few years ago he was partially paralysed and immobile with Guillain Barré Syndrome, a rare neurological disease that attacks the nervous system.

In late 2019, Mason went from collapsing unexpectedly to losing the ability to walk or even open a bottle. After 18 months of treatment and rehabilitation, he slowly rebuilt his strength, producing music from home when he couldn’t tour and completing much of his Toolroom album Frisky Biscuits during recovery.

Now fully recovered, Mason is taking on this ultra marathon to raise awareness and vital research funding for people living with severe forms of GBS.

The challenge sees him take on two and half marathons, back-to-back, running from morning till evening, finishing at the Brighton Music Conference (BMC), where the global electronic music industry community unite.

He said: “I count my blessings that I had a relatively mild version, with “just” damaged arm and leg nerves. Some GBS victims can’t breathe or swallow on their own and are hospitalised for years — while being 100% mentally sharp. It’s horrific. I’m raising money for research, but also to give a bit of awareness to those silently lying in rooms with the curtains drawn for years. People you don’t hear about, but they’re there. Maybe my effort can also give a bit of hope to them, knowing that full recovery is possible and that you can be physically strong again.”

While commercially known for the release of Exceeder, Mason has spent the last two decades building a career on his own terms, releasing four artist albums, spearheading his Animal Language label, and collaborating with names including Dragonette, Jack Garratt, Stefflon Don and Alex Clare. His latest album Chroma Panorama is out now.

To support Mason in his challenge and donate to Inflammatory Neuropathies UK, head to the Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/masonsultra

Inflammatory Neuropathies UK helps people understand and manage both acute and chronic variants of GBS, CIDP, MMN and other inflammatory neuropathies. They provide peer support, information booklets, access to emotional counselling, personal grants and practical advice. They also advocate these rare conditions in press, media and parliament. They also commission and fund field-changing research to help better understand and support the community.

Follow Mason’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicofmason/