A woman has marked a milestone birthday by raising hundreds of pounds to help find a cure for brain tumours, inspired by the son she lost to the devastating disease.
When Mary Ball from Plymouth celebrated her 90th birthday on Friday 9th February, she decided to forgo the usual wrapping paper and ribbons, asking her family and friends to instead make donations to Brain Tumour Research. Thanks to their generosity, Mary raised a wonderful £476 at her birthday bash.
It’s a cause close to Mary’s heart as her son, David Satchell, died of a glioblastoma (GBM). Following his diagnosis in April 2018, David had surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Sadly nothing could save him and he passed away on 16th May 2019, aged 62, leaving his wife Debbie and children, Kieran, Harrison, Luke and Dave.
Mary (pictured below with David) said: “David had a great personality and everybody loved him. He was a sunny, happy child and grew into a funny and generous man. He had a wonderful voice but, heartbreakingly, shortly after his brain tumour diagnosis, he was diagnosed with throat cancer which robbed him of his speech.”
She added: “I used to work as a secretary for a neurosurgeon and as soon as I heard the word ‘glioblastoma’, I knew it was bad news. When I learned that brain tumours receive just 1% of the national investment in cancer research despite killing more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, I decided I needed to do anything I could to help.
“I asked for donations for my birthday, rather than presents, because at the age of 90, I don’t need anything! I’d be really pleased if it helps to inspire others to mark their own milestones in a similar way.”
If you have been inspired by David’s story, please click here to donate.
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