Two-times Olympic bronze medallist, Sam Reardon, is today announced as our new Ambassador, pledging his support in the hope of speeding up the journey to find a cure for the disease that took his mother’s life.
Sam was just 15 when his mum, Marilyn, died 11 months after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma, the most deadly form of brain tumour, despite undergoing surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
This month, which is Brain Tumour Awareness Month, marks six years since Marilyn died, too soon to see her son run to victory at the Paris Olympics last summer. Poignantly, Sam carried her photo with him as he received his medals on the winners' podium.
“You never think something like this will happen to you. I was 14 when Mum was diagnosed, and it was heartbreaking to realise she wouldn’t be there for all the key milestones in my life – growing up, getting married, having kids,” said Sam.
“She was my best friend and losing her crushed me. Mum was my biggest supporter which, as a kid, I didn’t fully appreciate it. Now I’d give anything to hear her cheering for me once more.”
Sam joins our family of Patrons and Ambassadors, which includes celebrated tenor Alfie Boe OBE, broadcaster Sarah Beeny and Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell, on the same day we announce a £2.5 million grant to further glioblastoma research at our Centre of Excellence at Queen Mary University of London.
The 21-year-old has worked closely with our Charity since losing his mum, setting up several fundraising events and showing his support for Wear A Hat Day.
Last week, Sam attended our gala dinner, where we celebrated our contribution to research into this devastating disease, as set out in a new report, Closer to a Cure – 15 Years of Impact.
Our CEO, Dan Knowles, said: “We are also deeply honoured to have Sam Reardon join us as our new Ambassador. His story is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and his commitment to raising awareness will help us drive the much-needed change that brain tumour patients and their families so desperately deserve.”
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