Celebrating the 40th birthday he didn't think he'd reach

Brain Tumour Research

2 min read

Today we’re marking the 40^th birthday of Neil Taylor, diagnosed with a grade 3 astrocytoma brain tumour in 2017, inspiring him to set up our Fundraising Group Neil’s Appeal.

Neil said: “From the outset, my NHS oncologist told me that I was looking at between five and 10 years. Obviously, nearly eight years on, and knowing that brain tumours kill more under 40s than any other cancer, I’m delighted to be celebrating my 40^th and to be here for my wife and family.”

Neil had recently married Alex and was looking forward to the birth of his first child Annabelle when, out of the blue, he had a seizure. He was checked out and thought to be OK until a second seizure struck. Neil was referred for a scan which revealed a brain tumour in the left frontal lobe.

Even before surgery, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment, Neil set about raising funds for Brain Tumour Research and did a sponsored head shave. In 2018, he launched Neil’s Appeal which has raised more than £41,600 to date through fundraising initiatives, including family fun days and football tournaments, Neil and Alex completing the Manchester 10k and Neil and his brother and cousin tackling a 15k Tough Mudder. Last, but not least, in June 2023, Annabelle’s dance school ran a week-long production raising £1,500 for the Fundraising Group.

The proud father of two – Alex and Neil welcomed son Harvey during lockdown in January 2021 to their family – gave up his job as a supervisor for McDonald’s allowing him to spend quality time with his family and be the primary carer of his young children. He has now gone back to work, this time running a franchise in South Manchester for edstart, a specialist sports provider for primary schools.

At the end of this month – 30^th November, two of Neil’s friends, James Gaskell and Elli Clarkson, are taking part in a white collar boxing event to raise funds for Neil’s Appeal.

We are really grateful to all of #TaylorsWarriors (as Neil calls his supporters) for everything they do to help fund the fight to find a cure. And we wish Neil a really happy 40^th birthday and many more to come.

Donate to Neil’s Appeal