Today our thoughts are with the family and friends of Rashpal Lotay, the inspiration for our Fundraising Group Ascension, set up by her son Taranjit, known as TJ.
Rashpal was diagnosed with an anaplastic oligoastrocytoma brain tumour in 2009 and underwent surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but sadly passed away on 11 May 2019, aged 57. TJ said: “She fought the tumour for 10 years, radiating energy, always happy, upbeat and smiling.”
It wasn’t until her last year of life that Rashpal experienced a dramatic decline in her health.
TJ had a very close relationship with his mother, who encouraged his love of travelling, hiking and climbing mountains. Since losing her, he has become a dedicated supporter of Brain Tumour Research and recently set up the Fundraising Group Ascension. TJ chose the name “because most of my fundraising events will centre around hiking and climbing mountains and because I don’t feel that my mother has passed away, more that she has ascended and is watching over me. I want to help fund research so that other families don’t have to go through what mine has.”
Last September, TJ led a team of friends to the top of Scafell Pike twice in one day raising over £2,500 in Rashpal’s memory and last month he and his work colleagues at Amazon took part in Wear A Hat Day.
Our thoughts are with TJ and all Rashpal’s family and loved ones especially today.