Grandad Patrick Howlett, known as Paddy (pictured above, far right), recently walked 177 miles along Offa’s Dyke – a National Trail that roughly follows the border between England and Wales – with his sister and brother-in-law. Paddy’s heroic hike, which took 13 days and entailed “relentless hills on very hot days”, was to help raise funds and awareness after his granddaughter Emily lost her best friend, Taylan Kurtul.
Taylan (pictured above centre with Emily) was five years old when he was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma in May 2023 after experiencing problems with his vision, sickness and balance issues.
As radiotherapy and chemotherapy failed to stop the progression of the tumour, Tay’s parents, Laura and Toygun (pictured below with Tay), decided to stop the gruelling treatment as they felt it was unfair for Tay to keep fighting. Eight months after his diagnosis, Tay, their only child, passed away on 9th February 2024.
Our Centre of Excellence at Queen Mary University of London is developing kinder and more effective ways to treat childhood brain tumours, including medulloblastoma, DIPG and ependymoma, to improve survival prognosis and quality of life.
Laura, who set up our Fundraising Group Tay’s Tribe to create a legacy in memory of her son, said: “Tay and Emily enjoyed the sweetest friendship ever since they met in their reception class. From baking cookies in her kitchen to building secret dens in his garden, their days together have been filled with giggles, silliness and the kind of joy only true childhood friends can bring – a simple, pure and beautiful bond, a little love story.”
Paddy’s incredible fundraising is already over £4,000 but it’s not too late to add your donation.
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