The family of Christopher Todd marked the 10th anniversary of his death last weekend with a spectacular live music and disco event, raising vital funds to help find a cure for brain tumours.
Named The Brain Tumour Bash and organised by Chris’ granddaughter Chloe, the event brought supporters together for an evening of entertainment featuring local musicians Beniah Todd (Chloe's cousin) and The Marratons. Guests also took part in a raffle, with prizes including a Manchester United pennant signed by 25 players, among them Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes.
Through ticket sales and the raffle, the family raised an amazing total of more than £2,500 for Brain Tumour Research.
Chris was the beloved husband of Audrey, adored father of Vicky and Karl and a devoted grandfather. A former miner, he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in 2014, aged 63. Following his diagnosis, Chris had to travel from his home in Cumbria to Newcastle for surgery and treatment. Learning that his cancer was incurable inspired Vicky to begin fundraising for Brain Tumour Research and after losing her dad, she established a Fundraising Group called In Chris’ Memory.
She said: “Dad’s consultant told us he was having ‘five-star, gold standard treatment’ for his brain tumour, but the reality is that treatment has barely changed for decades and there is no cure for glioblastoma.
“I couldn’t sit by and watch Dad die, so I set about raising funds for Brain Tumour Research. At the outset, I was doing it in the hope of making my dad well again. Now I do it in his memory and to help other families facing this devastating disease.
Chloe & Vicky
“I am so proud of my daughter Chloe’s incredible efforts to mark her grandad’s 10th anniversary.”
We are so grateful to everyone who supports In Chris’ Memory, which has raised more than £44,000 to date.
Meanwhile, supporters of our Fundraising Group, Elly’s Herd, also came together for an evening of fundraising and fun last weekend, resulting in a total of more than £1,260 for Brain Tumour Research.
The group, set up in memory of Elly Monaghan, who passed away in July 2023, after an 18-month battle, also with glioblastoma, hosted a Pop in for a Pint fundraiser at a local village hall. Guests enjoyed hot dogs, drinks and a raffle, and the promise of "great beer, great company, brighter futures!”
The community event was organised by Elly’s daughter Laura and her friend Cat with support from Elly's son Peter, who has also pledged to run the 2027 TCS London Marathon for Brain Tumour Research in honour of his mum.
Together, both events not only celebrated cherished memories but also raised vital funds to accelerate the search for better treatments and ultimately a cure for all types of brain tumour.
Inspired by these Fundraising Groups? Why not organise your own fundraising event or challenge for Brain Tumour Research? Our new Fundraising Your Way pack has everything you need to get you started.
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