Ten years ago this month, a young man called Stephen Realf, who was destined to be a high flyer in the RAF, lost his life to an astrocytoma. He was just 26.
Despite their grief, Stephen's family has found a purpose in campaigning with Brain Tumour Research and on the incredible journey we've been on together over the last decade, so much has been achieved in Stephen's memory for all those affected by this devastating disease.
Stephen's dad, Peter, shares what this means to his family.
The quest to build a legacy for Stephen took off on the first anniversary of his death, when his sister Maria launched a petition calling on the Government to fund more research into brain tumours. It was signed by more than 120,000 people and a series of significant campaigning milestones followed, culminating in the Government announcing that £40 million would be allocated to brain tumour research over the following five years.
Maria said: “I could never have imagined that a petition started in my bedroom would take us all the way to Westminster, where our family met with senior ministers such as Matt Hancock, Dominic Raab and George Freeman. However, with a new Government in place, there is still much more to do, and we won’t give up until a cure is found.”
To date, only £15 million of the committed money has been allocated, but thanks to Peter, Maria and many hundreds of others, our call for change is louder than ever. We are influencing the Government to prioritise brain tumour patients and their families by increasing the national investment in research. To join our growing community and add your voice to our campaigning call, click here.
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Published Friday 23rd August 2024.