Friends and family of a man who has been diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour have raised more than £20,000 to help find a cure for the disease. 

Emily Penwright says her family is “extremely proud” to have surpassed the fundraising milestone for Brain Tumour Research. Their efforts are inspired by husband and father, Simon, who was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) in January. 

The remarkable total – which is enough to sponsor more than a week of research at one of our Centres of Excellence – has been achieved through a variety of activities, most recently including an afternoon tea hosted by Emily’s friend, Laura Thompson, on Friday 21^st July. Next April, Laura and another friend, Sam Boulting, will run the 2024 TCS London Marathon for the charity. 

Other fundraising activities include a virtual dog show which launched last week, with lots of different categories and doggy prizes. Simon’s sister, Deb Ayres, will start her Cycle 274 Miles in August challenge today, whilst his daughters, Sophie and Becki, are doing a charity skydive on Sunday 3^rd September. Also coming up in September are a five-a-side charity football match, sold-out bingo night and another afternoon tea, with a quiz night and raffle following in October. 

Emily, who will join our Walk of Hope in Milton Keynes on Saturday 30^th September, alongside daughter Maisie and friends, said: “We feel extremely proud to have managed to raise so much money for such an amazing cause. It is humbling in these current times that friends, family and strangers have put their hands in their pockets and supported us. 

“We are excited for our upcoming events and, with another operation on the cards for Simon, it really helps to give us something positive to focus on.” 

To support the Penwright family’s fundraising, please donate via their JustGiving page. 

Related reading: 

• Simon’s story 
• Dad’s diagnosis spurs on family’s amazing fundraising 
• Register for Walk of Hope