Luke Grenfell-Shaw is a decorated trail runner with an impressive résumé: a top-10 finish at the 2023 UTMB CCC and, more recently, a strong showing at the grueling 110km UTMB Val d’Aran. But his athletic achievements are just one chapter in a much larger, and far more profound, story—one that is now being brought to life in the powerful new documentary A Life In Tandem.

Premiered this month, A Life In Tandem follows Luke’s extraordinary journey of survival, resilience, and radical hope. Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at just 24 and given months to live, Luke refused to let his diagnosis define him. Instead, he set off on a 20,000-mile tandem bike ride from Bristol to Beijing—an audacious journey across continents and cultures that would come to symbolise not just endurance, but connection and community.

Luke began this mission shortly after undergoing chemotherapy—having run the Bristol Half Marathon while still receiving treatment. But the ride was not just about ticking off mileage; it was about defying expectations. And crucially, it wasn’t a solo effort. More than 800 people joined Luke on his tandem across borders and landscapes, each one sharing in the moments of triumph and struggle, laughter and loss. In doing so, A Life In Tandem becomes as much about the power of human connection as it is about survival.

The film is an intimate, emotionally honest portrait of a man determined to live fully, even when the odds were stacked against him. It follows Luke’s physical and emotional transformation, offering glimpses into the friendships forged on the road, the breathtaking scenery, and the many deeply personal moments that shaped the ride.

Today, Luke is trail running as a sponsored Brooks athelete—competing in some of the most demanding races in the world, including the legendary UTMB series. His passion for running echoes the mindset that propelled him across continents: that life is best lived boldly, with open arms and an open heart.

For those lucky enough to watch the documentary , A Life In Tandem promises to be far more than just a sports story. It’s a powerful meditation on what it means to be alive—and a timely reminder that adversity, while daunting, can also be a catalyst for greatness.

Without any spoilers this story will hit a hardship someone you or yourself may have faced. Whether you’re a runner, a cyclist, a dreamer, or simply someone seeking a story that restores your faith in human resilience, Luke Grenfell-Shaw’s story is not one to miss. The story doesn’t just show Luke’s determination in tackling cancer but also his strained family relationships and the story really underlines anything is possible.

The premiere of “A Life In Tandem” will include a Q&A with Luke Grenfell-Shaw and is open to members of the public. For screening dates and locations, visit the website here