Following the diagnosis of a marathon runner from Edinburgh, friends and family from the area have raised more than £39,000 in aid of Brain Tumour Research.
Glenn Pearce, 53, learned he had a glioblastoma in January following memory loss, confusion and impaired vision – brain tumour symptoms noticed by his neighbour and close friend Dr Josh Robinson. Glenn’s brain cancer diagnosis was followed by multiple surgeries, radiotherapy, as well as a stroke that paralysed the fitness fanatic down his left side.
Dr Robinson said: "It is heartbreaking to see someone so full of life, physically fit, a marathon runner, and the kindest, most generous person you could meet, go through this. Glenn welcomed our family to the neighbourhood and quickly became one of our closest friends.
“As a GP, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating brain tumour diagnoses can be. It’s made me realise just how urgent the need is for more research and why supporting Brain Tumour Research is so vital.”
Now requiring a wheelchair and daily care, Glenn’s dramatic decline inspired his loved ones to help find a cure. His wife Nichola, along with Josh and Glenn’s other friends Alan Smith and Mark Smyth, organised a Seven Hills Challenge fundraising walk. Despite heavy rain, more than 140 friends, neighbours and supporters turned out on 14ᵗʰ June in Glenn’s honour to walk 25km across Edinburgh’s Seven Hills.
Nichola said: “Our family are incredibly grateful for the support we have received since Glenn’s diagnosis. It was an emotional and inspiring day, with the most fantastic community spirit and connection evident. Alan, Mark and Josh worked so hard to organise this Seven Hills Challenge and, along with a huge effort from our families, it was an unforgettable day – despite the downpours!”
With £39,000 raised to help fund the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, dedicated to advancing clinical trials for glioblastoma treatments, you can help boost their total through JustGiving.
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