Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell is taking on the fitness challenge during Glioblastoma Awareness Week, despite currently undergoing chemotherapy to treat the disease.
Theo became our Patron after her diagnosis with a glioblastoma in June 2022, faced with a devastating prognosis of just 12 to 18 months. Since then, she has undergone life-extending treatments – including surgery. Unfortunately, a scan last December showed a recurrence and she soon began a new round of chemotherapy.
The 38-year-old mother is now taking on the challenge in aid of Brain Tumour Research. She said: “I’ve been doing my squats and I’m actually enjoying it! I may do around 20 and then take a break and have a cup of tea, but I get them done. My son Jonah has been asking me what I’m doing, so he’s been joining in, doing two or three here and there and then he’s done!”
Theo recently spoke on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast and shared her experience as part of Glioblastoma Awareness Week. Yesterday morning, while speaking to presenter Kylie Pentelow to raise awareness of the disease, Theo said her latest scan showed no active cancer cells.
Despite brain tumour treatment making her fatigued, Theo is bravely soldering on to complete her daily 88 squats. She said: “People need to know how damaging glioblastoma is, and how desperate people like I am to increase the treatment options. This disease is stealing young people away from their families. I’ve seen lots of people lose their life to glioblastoma who are parents of young children; it’s just so devastating for everyone involved.”
You can donate to support Theo’s 88 squats a day and help bring hope to those devastated by a glioblastoma diagnosis.
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Theo taking part in our Walk of Hope – photo credit Kevin McMurtrie.
