Our Fundraising Groups

1 min read

Our amazing family of Fundraising Groups

Championing the fight against brain tumours and raising thousands for our cause, helping us build network of experts in sustainable research at dedicated Centres of Excellence and supporting us as we influence the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more nationally.

Click here to read about our retired Fundraising Groups.

 100 Strikes

This Fundraising Group is the initiative of Ed who was diagnosed in 2020, aged 11. Ed launched a campaign to raise money to find better outcomes for those diagnosed in the future.

100 Strikes involves 100 penalty kicks at 100 different locations with a target to raise £100,000 for Brain Tumour Research.

To make a donation inspired by Ed go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/100edwardsimpson

4 Aurora

4 Aurora has been set up by Margherita and Francesco Provenzano to raise much needed funds for research into this devastating disease. They named the Fundraising Group in memory of their beautiful daughter. Aurora was just 6 years old with her whole life ahead of her when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She fought a brave battle for three and a half years, but sadly lost the fight and left her parents and two sisters, Isabella and Chiara with a huge hole in their family.

Her parents wanted to do something to help because they know that right now another family somewhere is getting the news that their loved one has a brain tumour. They also want to raise awareness of brain tumours and let people know how shocking it is that only 1% of national cancer research spending is on brain tumours. When Aurora was in hospital, Margherita, Aurora's mother, actually remembers thinking, "why couldn't she have had leukaemia?" as she would then have stood a good chance of surviving.

Read Aurora's story.

Aaron's Army

Having been told by more than one hospital doctor that he had Bell’s Palsy, Aaron Wharton was eventually diagnosed with a grade 3 anaplastic ependymoma aged four in 2020 after he developed a droop on the left side of his face, started randomly being sick and was tripping over a lot. He spent 10 weeks in hospital undergoing two surgeries and developed meningitis twice. He also underwent proton beam therapy and chemotherapy. At times, his parents were optimistic that his treatment was working, but tragically, three years after his diagnosis, in April 2023, they lost their only child at the age of seven.

This Fundraising Group has been set up to create a legacy for Aaron and to raise funds for research as well as greater awareness of the desperate need for more effective treatments and ultimately a cure for those affected by brain tumours. Of seven children diagnosed with brain tumours in the family’s community since Aaron was diagnosed, just two still survive.

www.justgiving.com/campaign/aarons-army


Aaron's Legacy of Hope

Linda Irvine has set up Aaron's Legacy of Hope in memory of her son Aaron. Aaron was first diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of two and a half, but not without his mother having to fight for six months to get doctors to take his symptoms seriously.  The operation and subsequent radiotherapy left him with lots of physical and educational disabilities, but he got on with life and never complained.  At the age of 29 his tumour came back – his mother had to fight to get any support for him.  Aaron passed away five months later in 2011.

Read Aaron's story.

Andi's Army

Andi Peel was a really fit man, always going to the gym or playing basketball. He started getting headaches in August 2019, but wasn’t diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) until January 2020. He underwent surgery and radiotherapy and chemotherapy but the treatment affected his eyesight and Andi eventually becoming totally blind. After a massive seizure in July 2021, Andi was bedbound, but still maintained his sense of humour. His bravery and mental strength were totally inspiring and he fought so hard, but nothing could save him and Andi died in January 2023, aged 30, after a three-year battle.

Andi raised funds for the charity while he could which led to his family setting up this Fundraising Group to keep Andi’s memory alive and continue his legacy while funding research to bring hope to families in the future whose loved ones are diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Read Andi’s story 

Donate to Andi’s Army

Albie and Beyond

This fundraising group has been set up to keep Albie’s memory alive by supporting research into brain tumours in the hope that no other family will have to suffer like his.

Albie Bayliss-Watts was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive brain tumour after having an out-of-the-blue seizure and later starting to vomit in the mornings. Despite emergency surgery and intensive chemotherapy, Albie came to the end of all treatment options. Less than a year after diagnosis, on 28 November 2021, Albie died, aged just two, leaving his parents, Hayley and Lauren, heartbroken.

Read Albie’s story

Follow Albie and Beyond on Instagram or on Facebook

You can text ALBIE to 70450 to donate £5 to Brain Tumour Research. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.

Alexandra's Angels

Alexandra was beautiful and just 24 years old when she passed away in August 2011, having been diagnosed with brain cancer in 2009.  Her sisters, Melissa and Rebecca, set up Alexandra’s Angels in her memory to raise as much money as possible for Brain Tumour Research so that another family does not have to go through what they had to.

Read Alexandra's story here

Andy B Fundraising Group

The Andy B Fundraising Group was set up in memory of Andrew Bath, who lived near Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire. Andy was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumour in 2017. He underwent surgery, as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but sadly passed away just 10 months later, aged 37.

Andy’s parents, Lynn and Alan, and sister, Amy, have set up Andy B to raise money for Brain Tumour Research in his memory and to honour his wish that more research into brain tumours could prevent others from experiencing the devastation that they cause.

Read Andy's story

A New Hope for Ethan

This Fundraising Group was set up in memory of Ethan Treharne, lost to a glioblastoma (GBM) on 26th November 2021, aged 17. Over the course of two years, Ethan had endured three operations, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, developed epilepsy and undergone private immunotherapy treatment in Germany, but nothing could save him.

A New Hope for Ethan is focusing on campaigning and fundraising towards better treatment options and ultimately a cure for brain tumours so that the future of people diagnosed with the disease can be rewritten.

Read Ethan’s story

To donate giving A New Hope for Ethan as your reason

Follow on Facebook

Ascension

This Fundraising Group has been set up in memory of loving wife and mother, Rashpal Lotay. Rashpal was diagnosed with an anaplastic oligoastrocytoma brain tumour in 2009 and underwent surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. She fought the tumour for 10 years, radiating energy, always happy, upbeat and smiling. Now her son is focusing on funding research so that other families don’t have to go through what his has.

Tj chose the name Ascension because most of his fundraising events centre around hiking and climbing mountains and because he doesn’t feel his mum has passed away, more that she has ascended and is watching over him. 

To donate go to  www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tjsascension

Alternatively, you can text ASCENSION to 70085 to donate £5 to Brain Tumour Research. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.

 

Band Together

This Fundraising Group has been set up to keep the memory of Steve Gilmour alive. An amazingly creative individual, Steve wore many hats - graphic designer, toy photographer - but he will always be remembered as a drummer in three different bands and a much-loved face on the Norfolk music scene.

Following his diagnosis with a grade 4 gliosarcoma in August 2021, Steve underwent surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. By April the following year, however, the tumour had returned full-force but nothing more could be done. He and his fiancée Hannah arranged their wedding in three weeks and made the most of the time they had left. Steve died two weeks later on 29 May 2022, aged 45.

With the full support of Steve's friends and family, Hannah is determined to raise funds and awareness wherever she can, as part of Steve’s legacy, to bring an end to suffering through brain tumours or loss.

Read Steve’s story

You can support Band Together through text donate: just text STEVE to 70450 to donate £5. Texts cost £5 plus a standard rate message.

Boogie at the Biscuit

Boogie at the Biscuit was set up by Beth Wright in memory of her husband, RAF Wing Commander Kieran O’Sullivan. Kieran was first diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma in 2001 and underwent multiple surgeries, as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Kieran passed away in November 2018, at the age of 44, almost 17 years after he was first diagnosed with a brain tumour and just two months after leaving his beloved career in the RAF.

The name Boogie at the Biscuit comes from a fun-filled event that Beth first organised in 2019 to raise more than £24,000 for Brain Tumour Research in Kieran’s memory. The night saw 270 guests donning their black ties and gowns for an evening of music, an impressive auction and a raffle with a bumper haul of prizes up for grabs. A second fantastic Boogie at the Biscuit event in 2021 took the group’s fundraising total to more than £42,000, with the third in 2023 bringing the total to more than £65,000.

Visit Boogie at the Biscuit’s website.

Read Kieran’s story

Brainstorm

Brainstorm was set up by Katie Smith and her husband Luke in 2019, following Katie’s diagnosis with a life-limiting oligoastrocytoma. The couple, who live in Stourbridge with their young son Eli, decided to dedicate a year to fundraising and raising awareness of brain tumours, which kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. Katie lives with the knowledge that she may not make it to her 40th birthday and, faced with such devastating news, wants to raise £90,000 for Brain Tumour Research.

Read Katie's story here

You can support Brainstorm through text donate: just text STORM to 70085 to donate £2. Texts cost £2 plus a standard rate message.

Canoeing for a Cure

Canoeing for a Cure was set up after Jim Murray, an officer in the Avon and Somerset Police and a former RAF policeman, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Sadly Jim passed away in December 2020, three years after his initial diagnosis.


Established by Wayne Byles, who saw Jim as a father-figure ever since they met when Wayne was a teenager, the Fundraising Group comprises friends and family members, including Jim’s sons Richard, Callum and Simon. As the name suggests, Canoeing for a Cure are focusing their initial efforts on a feat of impressive strength and endurance involving canoes to help find a cure for this devastating disease.

Read Jim's story.

 

Carol’s Fund

Carol Hayes was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumour in February 2018, which came as a huge shock to someone who was previously fit and well. Carol’s Fund was set up by her children, James and Gemma. They aim to raise £10,000 in 2019 for Brain Tumour Research. So far, the group has raised over £8,000 from a range of activities, including bake sales and keep fit events. 

Read Carol's story.

 

Cat in a Hat

This Fundraising Group was set up by her family after Catherine Anderson was diagnosed with a grade 2 brain tumour in August 2014 which quickly progressed to being grade 4 by the end of the same year. The name 'Cat in a Hat' was inspired by the many hats that Cat was given by friends and family, particularly to cover hair loss caused by her treatment. Throughout her brain tumour journey, Cat remained upbeat and incredibly positive, always laughing and joking.  
 
Tragically, it became clear that chemotherapy wasn’t slowing regrowth of the tumour and Cat lost her brave battle on 14th June 2017, aged just 38. Her friends and family, including Cat’s father, Rab, (despite his nursing background) were all shocked to find that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer and will continue to raise awareness and funds to help find more effective treatments and ultimately the cure which is so desperately needed. 

Read Cat's story.

Charlie Charges On

Our first born son Charlie was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme grade IV just weeks after the birth of our third child. It was utterly heart-breaking to hear his prognosis, so in desperation we contacted hospitals around the world to seek second opinions and spoke to leading experts to ask about new treatments but no one could give us a different outcome or offer anything which might help. Charlie passed away aged seven in 2010, eight months after diagnosis. 
 
We have set up Charlie Charges On to keep the memory of our beautiful, so brave son alive and to help find a cure to bring hope to other parents who face the dreadful news that their child has a brain tumour.
 

Read Charlie's story.

Charlie’s Angels

Charlie White was just three years old when he died from a rare but aggressive paediatric brain tumour. There are just a handful of these cases documented worldwide, but this devastating loss has compelled Charlie’s mother Abba and others to create the Fundraising Group in memory of her son. With the help of close friends and family, Charlie’s Angels are now hard at work taking advantage of every opportunity to raise funds in support of the research at our Centre of Excellence in the University of Portsmouth. 

Circle of Hope 

Circle of Hope was formed to raise awareness across Yorkshire of the plight of people suffering with a brain tumour. Founding members: Jim Murphy, Gill Murphy, Sarah Smith and Linda Wood have all been touched by this devastating disease through the loss of family members and some very dear friends, although sadly Gill and Jim have since died from a brain tumour in October and November 2023. The group, who are intent on seeing a cure for this dreadful illness, chose Brain Tumour Research as their charity over other charities because it directly funds pioneering research into the disease. They hope that by having their own local identity they will appeal to local businesses and individuals whilst enjoying national impact through being part of Brain Tumour Research.

You can text CIRCLE to 70085 to donate £5 to Brain Tumour Research. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message. Or donate to Circle of Hope’s JustGiving page

Dale Barclay Fund

This Fundraising Group was set up by Dale’s wife, Laura, after he passed away nine months after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) brain tumour. 

A lead vocalist and musician who was well known on the alternative music scene, Dale suffered a number of seizures and an excruciating headache with vomiting prior to diagnosis. He underwent surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and was stable for a few months. When an MRI scan revealed regrowth, Dale was turned down for further surgery on the NHS, but had a craniotomy privately. Tragically he died just a few days after this, aged 32.

Laura, also a musician, was shocked that there was no effective treatment available for Dale. She wants Dale’s legacy to fund research that will help move treatments forward towards extending the life of brain tumour patients and eventually finding a cure.

Read Dale’s story

You can donate via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thedalebarclayfund or text donate DALE to 70085 to donate £5 to Brain Tumour Research. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.

Debbie Coulson Foundation

Debbie was diagnosed with a brain tumour shortly after getting together with her partner, Phil Holding, whom she met at work. After her friends had concerns about her behaviour and two visits to the doctor, Debbie had two strokes and was given the devastating news that she had a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumour. She underwent surgery and survived for 13 months. She passed away, aged 58 and just seven weeks before her daughter Vicky’s wedding. Phil and Debbie’s family set up the Foundation. 

Read Debbie's story.

Ella's Army

This Fundraising Group was set up after 13-year-old Ella McCreadie passed away without warning and it was later established she had experienced a haemorrhage caused by an undiagnosed high-grade diffuse glioma brain tumour. 

Her family wants to keep Ella’s name alive and help fund vital research to find better outcomes for brain tumour patients so that other families don’t continue to grieve the loss of loved ones like them.

Read Ella’s story  

Donate to Ella’s Army

Elly's Herd

Elly Monaghan, a loving wife, mother of three and grandmother of six, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) after slurring her words and sounding confused. She died 14 months later, on 2nd July 2023. Elly’s family were devastated when chemotherapy had to be halted after just one and a half cycles and they were told no other treatment was available to her.

Her son Peter took part in our 100 a Day Your Way in November challenge in 2023, inspiring him to set up Elly’s Herd to create a legacy for his mum, and said: “We don’t want other families to find themselves in the same treatment dilemma as us with no answers.”

Read Elly’s story

Donate to Elly’s Herd

Erin's Angel

Erin’s Angel has been set up by Karen Adams in memory of her sister-in-law, Caroline Foster, who sadly passed away on 31st May 2010, eight weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Caroline left behind her husband Andy and daughter Erin, who was just two and a half years old at the time.

Karen chose the name Erin’s Angel because little Erin knows her mummy is now an angel. She hopes to create greater awareness of brain tumours via the Fundraising Group, as well as raise funds for research while keeping Caroline’s memory alive and positive for Erin. 

Read Caroline's story.

Fight4Hope

Amani Liaquat was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma (GBM) after collapsing at home on her 22nd birthday in April 2020. COVID-19 restrictions meant that she faced brain surgery and numerous scans with no visitors allowed at her bedside during a 12-day hospital stay. With very limited treatments options in the UK, the family decided to source treatment from Germany. Thanks to the generosity of family, friends and complete strangers, more than £100,000 was raised in just 24 hours to help Amani access a new trial drug. Sadly however, Amani passed away aged 23, less than two years after diagnosis on 21 February 2022.

The family is working with Brain Tumour Research to share Amani’s story, helping to raise awareness and, with Amani, has supported the charity’s #BrainTumourPetition and Stop the Devastation campaigns, as well as undertaking fundraising and campaigning activities. While Amani was still fighting, they set up Fight4Hope to raise funds to support vital research in order to find treatments that will provide hope for patients facing a brain tumour diagnosis. Since her death, her parents and sisters remain committed to continuing Amani’s amazing legacy.

Read Amani’s story

Follow Fight4Amani on Instagram

Visit Fight4Hope’s JustGiving page

Or text FIGHT4HOPE to 70085 to donate £5 to Brain Tumour Research. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.

 

Fighting for a Cure

Josh, the adored younger brother of sister Kim, passed away aged 29, four years after being diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma brain tumour. Despite two craniotomies and Gamma Knife surgery, nothing could save Josh. The passionate Port Vale and Chelsea FC supporter planned his own funeral at which his beloved dog, Diggs, named after one of Josh’s surgeons, led the procession.

Kim set up Fighting for a Cure as a way of keeping Josh’s memory alive among his friends and family, and particularly for her young son Joey who was very close to his uncle Josh.

Text CURE to 70560 to donate £5 to Brain Tumour Research. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.    

Read Josh’s story…

Fighting for a Cure on Facebook

Fluffy Cloud and Co.

Pete was a loving husband and a proud father of two grown-up daughters – Alice and Emma.  A gentle, kind and fun-loving man, he would do anything for “his girls”. Following a series of seizures, a bleed on the brain and subsequent surgery, Peter was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme. His wife Jane said: “even though at 60 Pete was very young to die, we were saved from the inevitable slow and agonising process, which sadly so many brain tumour patients have to endure”.

Since losing Peter, his wife Jane and his two girls have set up Fluffy Cloud and Co. to support the work of Brain Tumour Research, raising awareness of the disease and ensuring funds for research facilities.

Read Peter's story.

Hannah’s Kingdom

Hannah was diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma (GBM) and had to retire from her dream job as a physiotherapist at the age of 39. She and her partner Andrew got married with Hannah bloated and bald from treatment.

Disgusted that treatment for brain tumours has remained stagnant for more than 20 years, Hannah set up a Fundraising Group and is committed to raising awareness of the injustices faced by brain tumour patients and to funding vital research, as well as campaigning to bring about better outcomes for patients.

Read Hannah’s story

Donate to Hannah’s Kingdom via JustGiving

You can also support Hannah’s Kingdom through text donate: just text SKULL to 70085 to donate £5. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.

Head 1st

Head 1st was set up by Nicole Witts who, having been lucky enough to just survive an undiagnosed big brain tumour, is committed to achieving:

* Awareness
* Information
* More fundraising for this devastating disease

She is prepared to jump all hurdles to get there and make people aware of the illness and its awful effects on individuals and families involved.

Read Nicole's story.

In Chris' Memory

In Chris’ Memory was launched in November 2017 in memory of much-loved husband, father and grandfather Chris Todd. Chris was 63 when he was diagnosed with an aggressive grade four glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumour. He underwent surgery, radiotherapy and treatment and fought his illness with the support of his family. Sadly, he passed away in November 2016 at the age of 65. Angry at the underfunding for research into the disease and determined to continue the family’s commitment to make a difference, Chris’s daughter Vicky Todd set up In Chris’ Memory as a legacy to her beloved father and aims to raise £5,000 each year.

Read Chris' story. 

In Kev's Memory

In Kev’s Memory was set up by the family of Kevin O’Mahoney, a construction contractor, drummer and rock music enthusiast from Cannock. Kevin died just a year after his diagnosis with an aggressive brain tumour, aged 53, leaving his wife Annette and their two daughters Paige and Eve, 22 and 20. After losing Kevin, Annette was appalled to learn that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet have historically received just 1% of the national spend on cancer research, and decided to help raise vital funds.

Read Kevin’s story.

You can support In Kev’s Memory through text donate: just text KEV to 70450 to donate £5. Texts cost £5 plus a standard rate message.

John's Crew

John Lilley was looking forward to retirement and going on a world cruise with his wife, Alison, who he first met when they were 19 and 18 respectively. Tragically, he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) in 2019 after suffering a seizure and underwent a craniotomy, as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. When the tumour returned John had further chemotherapy and multiple blood transfusions, but nothing could save him and he passed away on 7 May 2023, aged 61.

His family, including his daughter Charlotte and wife Alison, has set up John’s Crew to build a legacy for John who wrote in a blog about his brain tumour journey: “We have seen in a generation, the prognosis for patients with breast cancer and leukaemia turned on its head from investment in research, but we haven’t seen that for brain tumour patients. It’s clear that more needs to be done for people like me who are diagnosed with this devastating disease to bring hope, rather than despair, to our loved ones.”

To donate to John’s Crew go to https://justgiving.com/fundraising/johnsarmy2023

Read John’s story

Jason Willis Foundation

Jen Willis set up the Jason Willis Foundation after losing her husband to a brain tumour. Jason was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in January 2019. Following brain surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, in January 2020, he received the heart-breaking news that his aggressive tumour had continued to grow. He was cared for at home by his wife throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Jason died in October 2020, aged 44, leaving Jen and their two young daughters.  

Jen has launched the Jason Willis Foundation to keep Jason’s legacy alive. She has vowed to continue fundraising in his honour and in honour of all the families who’ve been touched by this horrific disease to help find better treatment options and a cure for brain tumours.

Read Jason’s story.

Leah's Fairy Fund

Leah’s Fairy Fund was set up by the family of Leah Martin who was diagnosed with a high-grade medulloblastoma at the age of two. Several operations, as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have left Leah with long-term side effects including problems with her speech and mobility.

Mum and Dad, Joanne and Wayne, want better options and outcomes for brain tumour patients and in particular are keen to support the research being funded at Brain Tumour Research’s Centre of Excellence at University of Plymouth.

Read Leah's story.

Lisa's Gift

Lisa's Gift was set up by family and friends of Lisa Wray née Russell after losing her battle with a brain tumour on the 16th May 2009.

Lydia's Wish

Lydia Carfrae, aged 35, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumour in 2018. Lydia was born in Yorkshire but living in Texas at the time.

Loved ones both here in the UK and in America began fundraising for Brain Tumour Research, determined to build a community of supporters and do something positive in the face of adversity.

In Wakefield, Lydia’s home town, her family and friends took part in a virtual distance ‘Wakefield to Houston’ fundraising challenge. Led by Lydia’s cousin, Rosie Crawford, they walked, swam, cycled and ran, to complete the 4,735 miles.

The family set up the Fundraising Group Lydia’s Wish in order to further strengthen their amazing fundraising efforts and continue to smash their targets.

Sadly, Lydia died in May 2020, but Lydia’s Wish will continue to raise funds and awareness in memory of this beloved woman. 

Read Lydia's story

M & M Adventures

This Fundraising Group was set up in memory of Mark Calaz by his wife Mandy. The two of them met through the Army Cadet Force (ACF) and enjoyed many wonderful adventures together, as well as Mark having responsibility for organising adventurous expeditions for the ACF.

Aged 52, fit and healthy, Mark was suddenly diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumour and given the devastating prognosis that he had 18 months to live at best. He and Mandy started fundraising for and campaigning with Brain Tumour Research and, following his death on 4th July 2021, Mandy has decided she wants Mark’s legacy to be finding a cure for this devastating disease.

Read Mark’s story here.

You can support M & M Adventures through text donate: just text MARK to 70085 to donate £5 Brain Tumour Research. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message

Maggie Harvey Trust

Maggie was a vivacious and loveable person who lived life to the full. Her diagnosis with glioblastoma multiforme in 2010 was an unexpected blow that turned her world upside down. Determined as ever, Maggie focused on fighting this devastating disease and helping others in a similar situation. This determination was been instrumental in the founding of the Maggie Harvey Trust, which has been created to provide much needed funding for research into this form of brain tumour.

Read Maggie's story.

Maggie's Memory

Maggie Davis was living in the United States when she was diagnosed with a massive tumour in her brain, not long after her daughter, Clare, had discovered she was pregnant. Seven months later and two weeks after the birth of Clare’s son, Maggie passed away in the US having only seen her first grandchild, Jackson, over the internet.
 
Maggie was an amazing lady who now leaves a legacy of inspiration with her daughter Clare alongside three of her close friends, Emma Probyn, Helen Carbutt and Kate McNeill, who are all raising awareness and generating vital funds to support long-term and sustainable research into this devastating disease. In the first year since Maggie’s death, the four women generated enough money to sponsor three days of research at the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence in the University of Portsmouth. In January 2014 they formed Maggie’s Memory and launched with a new target to sponsor five more days and place more tiles on the charity’s Wall of Hope.

Mark Cogan Foundation

The Mark Cogan Foundation has been set up by Mark's brother, Simon, to raise funds for research and to keep Mark's memory alive, particularly for his two young children. Mark Cogan was an inspirational martial artist and an awesome friend, brother, husband and son, who fought a 16 month battle with a brain tumour and lost.

Read Mark's story. 

Mike’s Milers

Michael Scott is the inspiration behind this Fundraising Group. He passed away aged 69, in June 2020, after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) the previous year.

His widow Mary’s dearest hope is that Mike’s Milers will make a difference and lead in time to a change in the prognosis for people diagnosed with brain cancer.

Neil’s Appeal

Neil Taylor was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2017 and has endured surgery, radiotherapy and a year of chemotherapy. He and his wife, Alex, launched Neil’s Appeal with the aim of raising £10,000. Tagging themselves as #Taylorswarriors, they have already produced a special fundraising calendar and achieved great media coverage in their Manchester community. You can follow and support them on their Facebook page.

Read Neil's story here

One for the Road

This Fundraising Group was set up in memory of Charlotte Hobbs who was first diagnosed with a grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma brain tumour in July 2010. She underwent a craniotomy followed by radiotherapy and subsequently had many years of stable MRI scans. But in October 2020, Charlotte received the devastating news the brain tumour had returned and underwent further surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Sadly, the cancer spread rapidly in early 2022 and she passed away in March 2022, leaving her husband Dayfdd and two daughters Freya and Catrin heart-broken.

Charlotte actively supported Brain Tumour Research, including taking part in the 100 Star Jumps a Day in November Challenge just four months before she died. She raised thousands to help find a cure and is remembered for her resilience, bravery, selflessness and beautiful smile which made her so inspirational. Now One for the Road is continuing Charlotte’s legacy in the hope that other families may not have to suffer in the future.

Read Charlotte’s story

You can support One for the Road through text donate: just text Charlotte to 70085 to donate £5. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.

One Pound Warriors

The One Pound Warriors was originally a Facebook group set up by 13-year-old Lillie Cotgrove, asking people to join and donate £1 to raise funds for treatment abroad for her school friend diagnosed with a DIPG brain tumour.

Along with various community fundraising events, One Pound Warriors succeeded in raising the significant sum involved, but tragically Lillie’s friend’s health deteriorated and she passed away before being able to access this treatment.

One Pound Warriors is now focused on raising £1million over the next four years to fund research leading to more effective treatments and ultimately a cure for brain tumours. 

One Pound Warriors website

One Pound Warriors appeal - donate today

You can support the One Pound Warriors through text donate: just text OPW to 70490 to donate £1. Texts cost £1 plus a standard rate message.

Perry's Legacy

Perry’s Legacy was set up by Carly Busby in memory of her father, Perry Brown. Perry was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumour and passed away just nine months later in July 2020, aged 60, leaving his wife, Tracey, and children, Carly, Luke and Claire, and four grandchildren.

The family raised more than £4,000 for Brain Tumour Research in funeral donations. They have set up the Perry’s Legacy Fundraising Group to raise vital funds in his name to prevent other families from experiencing the heartache of losing a loved one to a brain tumour.

You can support Perry’s Legacy through text donate: just text PERRY to 70085 to donate £5. Texts cost £5 plus a standard rate message.

Power of David

Power of David was set up in memory of David Hetherington, a loving husband and dad of two. David was diagnosed with a low-grade oligoastrocytoma, which over time changed to a grade four glioblastoma. He underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy to control the tumour but David sadly passed in November 2016 at the age of 39, leaving his wife, Shaz, and two young children Layla and Daniel. 

The name, Power of David, was inspired by David’s ability to impact others in a positive way – a quality which Shaz called his ‘superpower’. The group embodies his hope and positivity, keeping David’s memory alive and raising vital funds for research. The London Walk of Hope is organised by Power of David and named David Hetherington Memorial Walk of Hope in his honour.

Visit Power of David’s JustGiving page.

Visit Power of David’s Facebook page.
 

You can support Power of David through text donate: just text POWER to 70490 to donate £5. Texts cost £5 plus a standard rate message.

Raising4Ria

This Fundraising Group has been set up by Ria Melvin’s family to continue her legacy and to raise vital funds in her name. Raising4Ria will help to keep Ria’s memory alive and help to channel the grief of all who mourn her into something positive to improve the lives of others living with a brain tumour diagnosis. The sloth logo is a tribute to her self-confessed ‘spirit animal’ and favourite colour purple.

Ria was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) aged 23 in December 2018. She underwent brain surgery twice, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy treatment in Germany, but nothing could save her and she passed away, aged 25, two years and seven months later.

During her brain tumour journey, Ria carried out selfless work, campaigning and raising awareness of brain tumours. She wanted better outcomes for people living with this devastating diagnosis and so do her loved ones who are only too aware of the inequality that a brain tumour patient faces compared with those with other cancers.

Read Ria’s story here

Donate via the Fundraising Group’s Just Giving page

You can also support Raising4Ria through text donate: just text RIA to 70085 to donate £5 to Brain Tumour Research. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message


Remembering Rayhan

The family of Rayhan, who died aged four, just four months after diagnosis with a medulloblastoma brain tumour, has set up this Fundraising Group. Despite several surgical procedures, and radiotherapy, Rayhan’s tumour continued to grow and he passed away just after beginning chemotherapy treatment.

His parents want Rayhan’s legacy to lead to greater awareness of brain tumours, especially as it took many weeks for doctors to start taking Rayhan’s symptoms seriously. Their dearest hope is that funds raised by Remembering Rayhan for research make a difference and bring about better outcomes for patients diagnosed with brain tumours in the future.

Read Rayhan’s story.

You can support Remembering Rayhan through text donate. Just text RAYHAN to 70085 to donate £5 to Brain Tumour Research. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.

Ride4Simon

Simon Oldacres was a dedicated family man, wonderful friend and talented engineer. When he was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013, cycling was his escape. He even rode the 40 mile round trip to many of his appointments.
 
Simon died at the end of 2016, and in 2017, Ride4Simon was set up to cycle in his memory to help fund a cure for this devastating disease. In 2017 a group of friends and family rode from Simon’s home town in Solihull to Chippenham, where he had lived for over a decade with his wife Sophie and young children, Joseph and Esther. The Fundraising Group plans to organise annual Ride4Simon cycling events.
 
Visit Ride4Simon's Facebook page.
Visit Ride4Simon's JustGiving page.

Stronger Together for Nicola

This Fundraising Group has been set up by Alan Robinson after he lost his primary school teacher wife Nicola, mum to two young children, in October 2021. Nicola was just 35 years old. A diagnosis with a diffuse astrocytoma came about after she experienced headaches and dizzy spells. She underwent two seven-hour craniotomies at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy and eight months of chemotherapy. The tumour was found to be growing again after Nicola had a seizure in the summer of 2020 and she went back on chemotherapy, but nothing could save her.

Alan hopes that Stronger Together for Nicola will help bring about better outcomes for brain tumour patients and kicked off the Fundraising Group’s activities with a challenge for him and a group of friends and family to run seven half-marathons and a full marathon in 2022.

Read Nicola’s story

You can text NICOLA to 70580 to donate £5 to Brain Tumour Research. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.


Taylan's Project

Taylan Andrew Rawlinson was our beautiful seven year old boy who was sadly taken away from us on 19th August 2009. He was diagnosed with a very rare incurable and inoperable brain tumour located in the brain stem called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) on 24th October 2008.

"It was so frustrating over the 10 months after Taylan was diagnosed that no one was able to give us any answers or provide that breakthrough we so desperately needed. The price we had to pay was losing our beautiful and precious baby boy. We will never go back to being a `normal'' family again as Taylan is no longer with us. We miss him so much and the pain will never go away - nor will he ever be forgotten. But we feel we cannot allow this to continue and if one day an answer or cure is found, whilst it will be too late for us it may be just in time for another family. We need to start somewhere. So with the help of friends and family we founded Taylan's Project in January 2010."

Read Taylan's story. 

Team Hopkins – Winning for Did

This Fundraising Group has been set up by the family of David Hopkins (aka Did) in his memory. Did was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) in September 2020 after two weeks of symptoms which included a flicker in his eye and a dull feeling in his head.

Did underwent the standard NHS treatment of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but also through crowdfunding accessed pioneering treatment in Germany. Sadly nothing could save him and Did passed away 14 months later on 6 November 2021.

His wife Nicki had already become an active campaigner for greater investment into research, engaging support from her local MP Holly Mumby-Croft. Team Hopkins, including Did’s daughter Lydia who is an ambassador, intends to continue to campaign and raise awareness and funds to find a cure.

Read Did’s story

Follow Team Hopkins – Winning for Did on Facebook

To make a donation text DID to 70085 to donate £5 to Brain Tumour Research. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.   

Team Jeffery

Annabelle Porter set up Team Jeffery in memory of two of her uncles, both lost to brain tumours – Richard Jeffery in 1991 and his brother, Michael, in 2017. The family are keen to do whatever they can to support us and contribute to our valuable work. Team Jeffery got together for the Great North Run in September and raised a spectacular £3,500. You can help Team Jeffery raise even more on their JustGiving Page.

You can support Team Jeffery through text donate: just text JEFFERY to 70085 to donate £2. Texts cost £2 plus a standard rate message.

Team Joshua

Josh had dreams of becoming a human rights lawyer. Sadly, he was diagnosed with a diffuse midline glioma (DMG) at the age of 15 and despite radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as starting on a clinical trial which he had to stop due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Josh died, aged 18, in February 2021.

Josh wrote in his end of school yearbook 2020: “I want to raise money and awareness for brain tumours with Brain Tumour Research.He didn't want anyone else to go through what he'd been through. His family has set up Team Joshua to fulfil Josh’s wishes, raise awareness of the symptoms of brain tumours, and help fund the fight to bring about better outcomes for patients and ultimately a cure for the devastating disease.

Read Josh’s story

Donate to Team Joshua

the dandy trust

The dandy trust has been set up in memory of beloved husband and father, Mike Dandy, who lost his fight with a brain tumour at the age of 56 in April 2011. As well as raising funds for Brain Tumour Research, the mission of the dandy trust is to strive for early diagnosis through better education of, in particular, GPs. So often early warning signs for brain tumours are missed meaning patients are not referred at the earliest possible opportunity.

Read Mike's story.

The Darel Bryan Foundation

Darel was 33 years old and in the prime of his life when, in December 2014, he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) Extremely healthy and active his diagnosis was a devastating shock to his family and to his beloved partner of 12 years, Natalie. Darel bravely fought this aggressive disease for 15 months but sadly lost his battle on 26th February 2016.

Now Natalie has set up the Darel Bryan Foundation in his memory to raise greater awareness as well as funds for vit al research. Her heart-felt wish is that one day Darel’s legacy will have led to far better outcomes for patients diagnosed with aggressive tumours like GBMs.

Read Darel's story


The Diana Ford Trust

The Diana Ford Trust was established as a charity to fund brain tumour research by Sandy and Rosemary Saunders, in memory of their daughter Diana who died from a brain tumour in 2002. They re-registered as Brain Tumour Research in 2008, using their cash deposits to provide seed-funding the first stage of a new national brain tumour research funding and awareness campaign led by Brain Tumour Research. Sandy and Rosemary continue to support our mission as one of our amazing Fundraising Groups, fundraising to purchase equipment and researchers at our Centres of Excellence to help understand the cause of and find treatments for all forms of brain tumours.


Read Diana's story.



The Diane Wright Trust

The Diane Wright Trust was created in June 2012 by her two sons, Matthew and Adam, following the loss of their beloved Mum & best friend suddenly to a brain tumour on the 9th March 2012, aged only 59 years. The trust has been set up to follow on the good work that their Mum did throughout her life and to stop other families from having to experience what they have been through. Diane touched the hearts of everyone she met and the trust will enable her to carry on doing this. She was the type of person that would always help others even when she was unwell herself and is why her sons want to carry on helping others in Diane’s name.

Read Diane's story.

The Ian Meek Fund

Ian Meek was an extraordinary man, living for 15 years with a low-grade brain tumour before it became aggressive and took his life aged 42. Just before he died, Ian was thrilled to know that he had smashed his target and had raised over £105k for research into brain tumours. He was a truly amazing man who, after just one conversation with a stranger, was certain to be a friend for life.  Ian’s lasting message: “When diagnosed with cancer, don’t think about the things you can’t do, dream and do the things you can.”

The Lorn's Legacy

Lorna Atkinson, an adored mother and grandmother and partner to Harry, lost her life to a glioblastoma multiforme grade 4 just 18 months after diagnosis. She was an outgoing, healthy lady of 68 who enjoyed playing badminton, going to Zumba and Boxerfit classes and spending time with her family, but the brain tumour changed everything about Lorna; her personality, her appearance and behaviour so that she was barely recognisable.

Inspired to fight to make a difference for future brain tumour patients, Lorna’s two daughters, Lisa and Louise have set up The Lorn’s Legacy to raise funds for vital research. 

Read Lorna's story.

 

The Nick Cotton Foundation

Nick was just 30 years old and recently married when he passed away less than 10 months after being diagnosed with an anaplastic oligodendroglioma brain tumour. Throughout his treatment he remained the intelligent and witty man we all knew him to be, putting other people first and making sure they were okay.  Nick wanted to help others suffering from the same condition which took him from his family and loving wife, Rachael Cotton. 
 
Rachael has now helped to set up The Nick Cotton Foundation to raise money for Brain Tumour Research to help others suffering from this devastating disease. We often hear about all the wonderful advances in treatments for so many different illnesses, including other cancers, but Nick’s brain tumour journey highlighted the desperate need for more effective treatments and ultimately a cure to bring hope to the thousands of people diagnosed with a brain tumour every year.
 
Read Nick's story.

The Paula Coates Fund

This Fundraising Group was set up by Ray after his daughter-in-law Paula was diagnosed with an incurable glioblastoma (GBM) brain tumour, aged 47, in early 2021, following excruciating headaches and vomiting.

Paula had always lived healthily and enjoyed long-distance running, including notching up more than 10 marathons. She underwent surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment, but the tumour was found to be growing again just a year later and Paula went back on chemo and had to give up running altogether.

Tragically, Paula passed away in October 2022, leaving her husband Rob and 22-year-old daughter Lucy.

Paula’s family want to help fund research to find a cure for all types of brain tumour to bring hope to patients diagnosed with this devastating disease.

Read Paula’s story

Text PAULA to 70085 to donate £5 to Brain Tumour Research. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.

The Song for Sue Foundation

The Song for Sue Foundation was set up by the family of Sue Thomas after she died aged 57 in December 2015. She was diagnosed with a low-grade brain tumour in July 2013. A year later it was found that the tumour had upgraded to a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme and despite chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, nothing could save Sue.

Her husband, David, and their three grown-up children are convinced that there is a cure out there and that one day it will be found, although sadly it is already too late for Sue. They hope that through raising funds for vital research, The Song for Sue Foundation can play a part in finding this cure as a wonderful legacy to Sue who was such an inspirational wife, mother and grandmother, as well as an amazing career woman and committed Christian, and who served God, her family and her friends until her dying day.

Read Sue's story.

The Twelfth Man

Inspired by Angus Anthony's brave battle with an inoperable brain tumour, close friends and family have set up the Twelfth Man Fundraising Group to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research.

Before he passed away in June 2011, Angus, along with his wife Cary, gave a tremendous amount of input into setting up the group, particularly with the choice of logo to reflect Angus's two favourite sports – cricket and hockey.

Read Angus' story.

The Wake Fundraising Group

The Wake Fundraising Group was set up by the friends and family of Jonathan Wake. Jonathan was diagnosed with a brain tumour in November 2019, after he collapsed at home and underwent emergency surgery. He was awaiting immunotherapy treatment when a scan revealed more tumours had grown. Jonathan passed away in March 2020, just three months after his diagnosis.

In June 2020, friends and family organised a 4.4.48 challenge which raised more £21,250 for Brain Tumour Research. The Wake Fundraising Group plans to take part in a number of sporting challenges and continue to grow its 4.4.48 event, turning Jonathan’s sporting passion into funds to help find a cure for this devastating disease.

Trevor&Friends

Trevor&Friends is the unique project of a group of school friends who were devastated to discover that their friend was diagnosed with a brain tumour. The tumour was nicknamed ‘Trevor’ and their mission became to banish him once and for all.

The girls were at universities across the country when their friend became ill but were united in shock after learning about the distinct lack of awareness and funding for brain tumour research. 

Trevor&Friends want to initiate something positive to reflect the journey they have shared. They aim to inform as many people as possible about the issues surrounding brain tumours and also to raise money for world-class research at our Centres of Excellence.

Zara’s Appeal for a Cure

 

Zara Taylor was just 30 when she was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma  (GBM) in January 2021. She underwent surgery, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and pursued privately-funded treatment alongside her standard of care NHS treatment, but sadly nothing could save Zara and she died in October 2023, aged 33.

Since her diagnosis, Zara took part in a number of fundraising challenges for Brain Tumour Research, including our Walk of Hope, 10,000 Steps a Day in February and Jog 26 Miles in May Challenge. She set up the Zara’s Appeal for a Cure Fundraising Group to bring family, friends and colleagues together to raise vital funds and awareness to help stop the devastation of brain tumours.

You can text ZARA to 70085 to donate £5 to Brain Tumour Research. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message. Or donate via the Zara’s Appeal for a Cure JustGiving page

Read Zara’s story
Back to About