A rowing club has completed an epic marathon lasting 12 hours to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research, in honour of a young person diagnosed with multiple diffuse astrocytoma.
Giles Rodriguez was found to have three rare tumours in 2017 after complaining of blurred vision and severe headaches, eventually resorting to hitting his head out of frustration. They were initially deemed inoperable due to their location, but his parents made the decision for Giles to undergo surgery – which, thankfully, was successful.
His mother, Lynette (pictured above, second from left), said: “From the moment we found out about the diagnosis, I went on autopilot to learn more about brain tumours. I needed to know everything, including what could happen to my son.”
With Giles now 17 and “leading a normal life for a 17-year-old boy”, Lynette has turned her attention to raising awareness of brain tumours: “That’s when I came across Brain Tumour Research and discovered the gross underfunding which this disease has historically received.”
Lynette and the Mediterranean Rowing Club in Gibraltar undertook the marathon, which commenced on Wear A Hat Day (31ˢᵗ March), in honour of Giles and other loved ones who have been affected by the disease.
She concluded: “I will continue to raise awareness and fight to find a cure for this disease, which has opened my eyes to a community of young people and families going through something similar.”
Donate to Brain Tumour Research via Lynette’s fundraiser.
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