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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has reached out to a supporter battling a terminal brain tumor after the fan’s courage inspired a remarkable challenge.
Jack Faint has become the first person ever to run the entire length of India — a remarkable feat made even more extraordinary by his personal battle. In March 2019, at just 25, the Liverpool fan was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour, an oligodendroglioma, and was told he might not live past 40.
The 32-year-old's incredible 74-day journey began high in northern India, starting 12,000 metres above sea level at the Siachen Base Camp in the Himalayas. By his side throughout was Jordan Fairclough, Liverpool’s former physical performance coach, who provided support in every way possible — including offering roadside massages amid chaotic traffic.
Fairclough, 34, left Liverpool last season after more than seven years with the club, during which he helped secure Champions League and Premier League titles as part of Jurgen Klopp’s backroom team.
Joining them on the journey was a small but vital support team. Fred Reid oversaw logistics and route planning, while three videographers linked up at different stages to document the challenge.
Daniel Robinson took on multiple roles as drone operator, photographer and Faint’s nutritionist, responsible for keeping him fuelled with the 5,000 to 6,000 calories a day required to sustain the effort.
“There were a lot of emotions crossing that line — pride, joy, gratitude and also sadness that the best adventure of my life was coming to an end,” Faint told The Athletic. “Some days, it was harder to eat than run.
“We celebrate masculinity in the best possible way. We are like The Inbetweeners one minute and then crying the next.”
On day eight, as Faint navigated the breathtaking Himalayan valleys, with elevations soaring above 5,000 metres, a letter from Slot arrived, giving him the motivation to push on through the challenging terrain.
The message said: “It really is people like you who make this club what it is, and on behalf of my players, my staff and myself, I want you to know how valued you are, how inspirational your story is and that we are all with you and supporting you, just as you support us."
Faint, a Liverpool fan since the age of five, recalled “spending half my earnings” following the club across Europe in his twenties, including trips to three Champions League finals.
Just last month, he watched Liverpool’s defeat to Manchester United at an official supporters’ club in Hyderabad.
He described the letter from the Dutchman as “massive,” arriving when he was “close to my limit physically.” That day, he made sure to run wearing the team’s red shirt, a gift from his mum and dad.
Faint also received messages from current and ex-Reds such as Federico Chiesa and John Barnes. “It’s been unreal,” Faint said of the outpouring of support he’s received.
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